An intense wildfire ravaged homes in northwest Reno, Nevada, as fire crews struggled to contain it due to erratic winds. On Sunday, authorities urged 90,000 residents to evacuate as the fire approached residential areas.

At least six people sustained injuries, including three first responders and three civilians. Officials labeled the fire as human-caused, though no further details were provided about the cause or intent.

The Hawk Fire’s Rapid Expansion

The Hawk Fire erupted on Saturday, quickly expanding to 23 square miles within the Peavine Peak area of Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest. The fire remained uncontained, threatening homes and businesses near the California border.

Evacuation orders affected approximately 42,000 residents, with an additional 45,000 under warning. Residents were advised to prepare for extended evacuations due to the unpredictable nature of the fire.

“Please get out if you can right now,” urged Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam.

Immediate Impact on Families

Cari Kieffer’s family lost their home as the fire advanced. Despite efforts to save their belongings, the flames overcame their neighborhood.

“I woke up this morning and just started crying — all my kids, they lost everything,” Kieffer lamented.

The family hastily gathered what they could, including clothes, important family photos, and heirlooms, before evacuating. Their home was subsequently destroyed.

State of Emergency in Washoe County

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency, deploying the National Guard with helicopter crews and additional troops for neighborhood security. Firefighting efforts involved 800 personnel.

Compounding the crisis, nearly 10,000 customers experienced power outages, and significant highways faced closures due to the fire.

The Reno-Sparks Convention Center opened to evacuees; however, pets were directed to alternate facilities, and local casinos offered room discounts to those displaced.

Community Response and Personal Stories

The fire’s rapid escalation caught residents off guard, including Ted Melden, who recently moved to Reno. He described facing natural disasters since his relocation.

“You just have to roll with the flow and be ready,” Melden commented.

David Barb returned to discover his taxidermy shop was destroyed, though his home survived due to proactive landscaping efforts.

Ongoing Vigilance and Precaution

Residents near the University of Nevada watched closely as two hospitals evacuated patients and authorities monitored the county jail for potential evacuation. The swiftly moving fire created confusion as firefighters battled to reach affected areas.

“It was extremely confusing,” Balaam noted, describing how shifting winds complicated efforts.