Washoe County expanded evacuations as the Hawk Fire spread northwest of Reno.
Why it matters: The fire is disrupting neighborhoods, the University of Nevada, Reno and utility service across Washoe County. County and university updates show how quickly the blaze is affecting daily life near a major Western metro.
- The Hawk Fire started Saturday in the Peavine Peak area northwest of Reno, AP reported.
- Washoe County opened evacuation and resource support at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center in Reno.
- The county said southbound US 395 remained open for evacuation traffic, with some off-ramps between Red Rock Road and Parr Boulevard closed.
- University of Nevada, Reno said at 1:35 a.m. Sunday that campus was not in an evacuation zone or a 'Get Ready' zone.
The Hawk Fire spread rapidly across Washoe County, forcing evacuation orders in neighborhoods northwest of Reno, according to AP and county officials. AP said the fire started Saturday in the Peavine Peak area. Different outlets reported different acreage estimates using different methods: The Guardian said Sunday the fire had grown to more than 13,000 acres, while Reuters said Perimeter Map data put it at more than 10,500 acres.
Washoe County opened evacuation and resource support at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center for displaced residents. The county also said southbound US 395 remained open for evacuation traffic, although some off-ramps between Red Rock Road and Parr Boulevard were closed.
The University of Nevada, Reno said at 1:35 a.m. Sunday that campus was not within an evacuation zone or a 'Get Ready' zone. The university said it was continuing to monitor the fire and prepare emergency plans.
Reuters reported that NV Energy began emergency power shutoffs affecting up to about 60,000 customers in northwest Reno and the North Valleys as a precaution while the fire approached utility equipment. AP also reported that Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support firefighting and neighborhood protection.
By the numbers
- 10,500-plus acres - Reuters' estimate of the fire size, based on Perimeter Map data.
- 13,000-plus acres - The Guardian's Sunday estimate of the fire size.
- 60,000 customers - NV Energy's reported upper range for precautionary power shutoffs.
Yes, but: Acreage figures vary by outlet because they rely on different estimation methods, and the county incident page is the best source for current evacuation status.
What's next: County evacuation and fire updates are expected to continue as conditions change.