Wind-driven Hawk Fire destroys 47 homes near Reno

Firefighters faced 40-mph gusts and unusual fire behavior before gaining containment by mid-week.

A fast-moving wildfire burning through neighborhoods northwest of Reno, Nevada, forced about 23,000 residents to evacuate, injured seven people and destroyed dozens of homes.

The Hawk Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres and is 93% contained as of Thursday morning, according to the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. About 900 personnel are involved in the around-the-clock firefight, using ground crews and aircraft to slow the flames and protect communities.

Washoe County Sheriff's Office officials said some mandatory evacuations and road closures in the Somersett area were lifted on Monday. On Tuesday, residents in the Golden Valley, Raleigh Heights, Hoge Road, Rancho San Rafael and surrounding areas were also able to return home.

Officials said at least 47 homes were destroyed but warned the totals could rise as assessments continue.

Chief Richard Edwards of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District said firefighters encountered extreme conditions as wind gusts topped 40 mph.

“That allowed that fire to travel extremely quick and cover an area of almost 6 miles in less than 24 hours,” Edwards said.

Crews are also facing an unusually prolonged period of erratic fire behavior, according to Reno Fire Department Chief David Cochran.

“We’re getting that erratic fire behavior into the nighttime and into the early morning hours, which is unusual,” Cochran said. “And that’s what’s making it so hard to control and hard to contain.”

Wildfires in Nevada typically become less active overnight as temperatures and winds decrease, allowing crews to make progress. Cochran said that pattern has not materialized during the Hawk Fire.

“The winds don’t drop, the temperature doesn’t drop, and you’re getting that erratic behavior,” Cochran said. “It just makes it hard to get your arms around a fire of this magnitude.”

The Reno Police Department said officers worked overnight to evacuate hundreds of people from areas threatened by the fire.

The fire started off Hawk Meadow Trail, about 1 mile north of Cold Creek Trail in the Somersett area northwest of Reno. Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Shane Akerson said that the fire was human-caused, but the circumstances surrounding its ignition remained under investigation.

Unlike wildfires burning primarily in remote forests or grasslands, the Hawk Fire has moved into urban areas where homes, businesses and infrastructure are in its path. Officials confirmed that structures, including homes, have burned, but a complete damage assessment was not immediately available.

Four civilians and three first responders have been injured.

Washoe County schools closed, thousands without power

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as unpredictable weather, power outages and major road closures complicated evacuations and firefighting operations.

Western Nevada was at Preparedness Level 5, indicating firefighting resources were heavily committed across the region. However, Cochran said the Hawk Fire was receiving priority for resources in the Great Basin.

“This is the top priority in the Great Basin region for resources,” Cochran said. “So we are getting the resources we’re requesting.”

All classes, events and activities at Washoe County School District schools were canceled Monday and Tuesday, except at Gerlach K-12 and Incline Village schools. District officials said the closures were needed because of widespread evacuations, demands on regional public safety resources and the need to keep roads open for emergency vehicles.

Thousands of homes and businesses also lost electricity during peak impacts.

NV Energy said it had restored service to most customers impacted by the Hawk Fire in Washoe County. About 960 customers remain without service, primarily in the North Virginia Street corridor between Golden Valley and Red Rock.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us to put our community back together, and we are working non-stop to make the repairs needed to get the power back on as quickly and safely as possible,” NV Energy said. “But our hearts go out to those who have lost so much.”

Wind, high temperatures could drive fire activity this week

AccuWeather forecasts highs near 93 Wednesday and 92 Thursday, with afternoon breezes, extremely dry conditions and a high fire threat. Breezy weather is expected again Thursday, when gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation could challenge containment lines. Friday will turn cooler, but gusty winds and a spotty afternoon thundershower could create additional fire concerns.

Breezy conditions are forecast to persist through much of the week, potentially making containment efforts more difficult and spreading smoke across the Reno area.

Report a Typo