Tens of thousands of residents around Reno faced another night away from home Monday as a fast-moving, wind-driven wildfire known as the Hawk Fire advanced toward populated parts of the Truckee Meadows.
Evacuations, smoke and shuttered schools
Authorities said roughly 24,000 people remained under mandatory evacuation orders Monday, down from more than 40,000 at the fire’s peak. Thousands more were on alert and told to pack essentials and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Schools across the area were closed as dense smoke blanketed the city of about 280,000 residents near the California border.
“The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it’s being driven by the winds,” Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Richard Edwards said during a Monday briefing, warning that wind-driven flames can reach residential areas quickly.
“If you have ... The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it's being driven by the winds. The wind-driven fires move very rapidly into our residential areas.”
Scope of the blaze and damage reported
By Monday the fire had grown to more than 15,000 acres with crews reporting containment along about 27% of the perimeter. Some of the active fire lines lie as close as five miles northwest of Reno’s urban area.
Officials said at least 32 properties were destroyed and several additional structures suffered damage. No fatalities have been reported. Emergency responders said seven people were injured in the incident, including three first responders.
Firefighters and international assistance
More than 900 firefighters were engaged in suppression efforts, working with engines, helicopters and bulldozers to clear fuel and construct containment lines. The response includes crews from throughout the United States as well as teams from Australia and New Zealand, officials said.
Fire managers warned conditions remain volatile because winds are expected to continue influencing the blaze’s behavior. They said investigators have determined the fire was human-caused, but have not concluded whether it was intentional or accidental; the final classification may be listed as undetermined.
What officials are telling residents
Authorities urged anyone under evacuation orders to leave immediately and asked those on alert to be ready to depart. Local emergency officials have set up evacuation centers and continue to coordinate with law enforcement and utility partners to protect life and critical infrastructure.
- Evacuations in effect: ~24,000 people
- Peak evacuation orders: >40,000
- Fire size: >15,000 acres
- Containment: 27%
- Properties destroyed: 32 (minimum)
- Injuries: 7 (including 3 first responders)
Local impact and safety information
Smoke from the fire has reduced air quality across Reno and nearby communities. Residents with respiratory problems, older adults and children should limit outdoor activity and follow local public health guidance. Officials recommend keeping phones charged, heeding evacuation orders promptly, and consulting official county emergency pages or social media accounts for shelter locations and the latest road closures.
Fire officials emphasized that containment may increase as crews gain access to the fire’s interior and build lines, but warned that shifting winds could change behavior quickly. Investigations into the origin of the blaze remain ongoing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| People under evacuation orders | ~24,000 |
| Peak people evacuated/ordered | >40,000 |
| Acres burned | >15,000 |
| Containment | 27% |
| Properties destroyed | 32+ |
| Reported injuries | 7 (3 first responders) |
As crews continue to battle the Hawk Fire, officials said they will provide regular updates to the public. For now, residents in affected zones are being asked to remain vigilant and to follow instructions from emergency personnel.
(Reporting from Reno area emergency briefings.)
