Latest on Hawk Fire evacuations, containment amid wildfire near Reno
A rapidly spreading wildfire near Reno, Nevada, has forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate and caused multiple injuries. The 'Hawk Fire' remains uncontained as emergency services and local officials manage the crisis.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the increasing threat of wildfires to populated areas and the strain on emergency infrastructure.
Hear this story Crews struggled to contain a large wildfire near Reno, Nevada , that has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, destroyed structures and caused multiple injuries.
The Hawk Fire ignited Aug. 22 and quickly consumed more than 15,000 acres, or 23 square miles, near Reno as strong winds and dry brush fueled the flames, according to the National Interagency Fire Center . The blaze was 0% contained as of Monday, Aug. 24.
Officials ordered about 42,000 people to evacuate their homes, and another 40,000 were placed under evacuation warnings and urged to leave the area. Road closures were in effect across much of the area northwest of downtown Reno.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared an emergency for Washoe County, which includes Reno and the northeast portion of Lake Tahoe. Local authorities opened temporary shelters, and the public school district for Washoe County canceled classes.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in