In brief
The Hawk Fire, burning in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, has spread over 15,000 acres and is 25% contained, according to local fire officials. Evacuation orders remain in place for 23,000 people, but some residents can now return while others must stay ready to leave. Wind‑driven weather conditions could propel the fire towards more homes, and state and federal agencies have mobilized National Guard resources and aerial firefighting. No deaths have been reported, but seven people, including four civilians and three firefighters, suffered minor burns. Scientists link the increased fire risk to human‑induced climate change, noting rapidly warming temperatures in Nevada.
US fire crews say they have made significant progress on the Hawk Fire, a blaze that threatened Reno, Nevada. Officials report the fire is roughly 25% contained, after spreading over 15,000 acres since its ignition on Saturday.
Even though containment has improved, an evacuation order still covers 23,000 residents. While some people can return to their homes, many others must remain on standby. Wind gusts could carry the flames toward additional properties, and the forecast calls for adverse weather over the next two days, which may prolong the fire’s activity.
Firefighters have deployed large air tankers and helicopters, dropping water and fire retardant. In the latest update, Chief Richard Edwards notes that four civilians and three firefighters sustained minor burns, and 32 homes have been destroyed with six more damaged. Shelters have been set up for displaced residents.
Investigators say the blaze is likely human‑initiated, but confirmation is pending. Scientists point to warming temperatures—Nevada’s average has risen over 4 °C since the 1970s—as a central factor enabling such rapid-fire spread.
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and called on the National Guard to assist firefighting and law‑enforcement efforts. Fire crews from 15 U.S. states, as well as teams from Australia and New Zealand, are also contributing to containment.
The University of Nevada at Reno said that campus operations would continue, though a few faculty members independently cancelled classes after witnessing the fire’s progression toward the university. Residents close to the fire, such as Justin Davis, have lost property and used water trucks to protect homes.
