A State of Emergency has been declared in Washoe County, Nevada, as the rapidly spreading Hawk Fire advances toward populated areas around Reno, forcing approximately 42,000 people to evacuate and putting another 45,000 residents under evacuation warnings.

The wildfire has burned more than 15,000 acres northwest of Reno and remained 0% contained as firefighters battled shifting winds, extremely dry vegetation and difficult terrain. At least six people — three civilians and three first responders — have been injured.

Nevada Governor Declares State of Emergency

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a State of Emergency for Washoe County, allowing additional state resources to be mobilized as the Hawk Fire threatened homes and communities.

The Nevada National Guard has also been activated to support firefighting and law-enforcement operations, with personnel and helicopters deployed to the region.

Lombardo urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately follow instructions issued by local emergency officials as conditions continue to change rapidly.

42,000 Residents Ordered to Leave Their Homes

Approximately 42,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders, while another 45,000 have been warned to prepare to leave, meaning close to 90,000 residents are directly affected by the emergency.

Authorities have repeatedly warned residents inside “Go Now” evacuation zones not to delay their departure.

The evacuation area expanded across northwest Reno as flames approached residential neighborhoods, while emergency shelters were opened for displaced residents.

Hawk Fire Burns More Than 15,000 Acres

The Hawk Fire was first reported Saturday near Hawk Meadow Trail, northwest of Reno.

Within little more than a day, strong winds helped the blaze explode in size to more than 15,000 acres, equivalent to roughly 23 square miles or 60 square kilometers.

Fire officials reported extreme fire behavior in some areas, with rapidly moving flames making firefighting operations particularly dangerous.

At one point, the fire was moving so quickly that flames reportedly jumped past fire trucks, while shifting winds repeatedly changed the direction of the fire front.

Homes Destroyed as Fire Reaches Urban Areas

Several structures have already been destroyed, although authorities have not yet released a complete damage assessment.

Unsafe conditions have prevented crews from reaching some of the hardest-hit areas, meaning the final number of damaged or destroyed properties could change significantly.

The proximity of the wildfire to Reno, a city of more than 280,000 people, makes the Hawk Fire particularly dangerous compared with many wildfires that burn in remote areas of the western United States.

Six People Injured

At least six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders.

Emergency officials have stressed that the priority remains protecting lives while firefighters attempt to prevent the flames from moving deeper into populated areas.

Hundreds of firefighters and emergency personnel from local, state and federal agencies have been deployed.

Aircraft and helicopters are also conducting water and fire-retardant drops over the most active sections of the blaze.

Thousands Without Electricity

The fire has caused major disruption across Washoe County.

Approximately 10,000 homes and businesses lost electricity, while portions of U.S. Route 395, an important north-south highway through the Reno area, were closed because of the emergency.

Some healthcare facilities also evacuated patients as the evacuation zones expanded.

Schools across much of Washoe County have been affected, while authorities continue asking motorists to stay away from closed roads to allow emergency vehicles and evacuees to move safely.

Hawk Fire Believed to Be Human-Caused

Authorities have confirmed that the Hawk Fire is believed to have been caused by human activity.

However, investigators have not yet publicly determined exactly how the fire started or whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Winds Make Firefighting Extremely Difficult

Strong and shifting winds have been one of the biggest challenges facing firefighters.

Combined with low humidity and dry vegetation, the winds have allowed flames to travel rapidly through grass and brush surrounding northwest Reno.

Officials warn that even relatively small changes in wind direction could quickly threaten additional neighborhoods.

The fire’s continued 0% containment highlights the difficulty crews face in establishing secure control lines around the blaze.

Reno Remains on High Alert

Central Reno was not initially inside the mandatory evacuation area, but the wildfire’s proximity to heavily populated neighborhoods has kept the entire region on high alert.

Officials are urging people near evacuation warning zones to prepare essential medication, identification documents, water, clothing and other necessities and to keep vehicles ready for immediate departure.

Authorities have made clear that residents should not wait to see flames before evacuating.

With the Hawk Fire still uncontrolled and weather conditions capable of changing rapidly, firefighting and evacuation operations are expected to remain the priority across Washoe County.