(RENO, NV) — New evacuations are in effect for parts of northwest Reno as the fast-moving Hawk Fire continues to threaten communities in Washoe County, prompting Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo to declare a state of emergency.
The latest evacuations include the Somersett community, including areas north of Somersett Parkway to Robb Drive, as well as neighborhoods north of West 7th Street to North McCarran Boulevard, according to Washoe County emergency officials.
(Credit: The official Instagram of Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue, located in Washoe County, NV.)
Residents are being directed to Perimeter Map for the latest evacuation zones, road closures and incident information as conditions continue to change.
The expanding evacuations come as the Hawk Fire has grown to approximately 10,500 acres, with about 400 personnel from local, state and federal agencies responding to the incident, according to the Washoe County Regional Emergency Operations Center.
Officials said strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation contributed to significant fire growth Saturday. Firefighters continued working through the night to protect communities, structures and critical infrastructure.
Governor declares state of emergency
Lombardo announced a state of emergency for Washoe County as the fire spread and threatened homes and other structures.
“I have declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as we respond to the Hawk Fire, which is spreading quickly and threatening homes and structures,” Lombardo said. “Please heed all warnings from local officials, evacuate immediately if you are ordered to do so, and do not put yourself or first responders at risk.”
The governor said state officials were working alongside local authorities and first responders to deploy resources to the incident.
“This is an active and rapidly evolving situation, and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials,” Lombardo said. “The state is fully engaged, and we are working alongside local authorities and first responders to deploy every available resource to protect lives, safeguard communities, and keep Nevadans out of harm’s way.”
Officials: Leave immediately when ordered
Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue Chief Rick Edwards, Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran and Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam issued a joint public-safety message emphasizing the importance of preparing for evacuation and leaving immediately when ordered.
Edwards urged residents in yellow evacuation warning zones to gather important documents, medications, pets, clothing and other necessities before conditions worsen.
(Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue Chief Rick Edwards, Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran and Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam issued a joint public-safety message emphasizing the importance of preparing for evacuation and leaving immediately when ordered. Credit: Instagram.)
“If you are in a get-set evacuation, that yellow zone, make sure to have your important documents, your medications, your pets, clothing, everything ready to go,” Edwards said.
Once an area changes to a red evacuation zone, Edwards said residents should not wait.
“That means it's time to leave,” Edwards said. “Take all your belongings, everything you packed, leave, follow the instructions of law enforcement. Don't hesitate.”
(Officials directed residents to Perimeter Map, which shows current red evacuation areas and yellow warning zones. Map as of Aug 23 at 10 a.m.)
Washoe County officials also urged people in and around affected areas to use caution, remain alert for changing conditions and watch for emergency vehicles and personnel responding to the incident.
People without a reason to be in the North Valleys area were asked to stay away so emergency personnel could safely continue response operations.
Sheriff: Hawk Fire being monitored near detention facility
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said officials are closely monitoring the Hawk Fire as it burns near the county's detention facility and are preparing for the possibility that changing conditions could require additional action.
(Credit: Washoe County Sheriff’s Office: Instagram.)
“As the Hawk Fire continues to burn near our facility, I want to reassure our community and the families of those who are incarcerated that we are closely monitoring the fire and changing conditions,” Balaam said.
Balaam said the safety of incarcerated people and staff remains a priority and that the Sheriff's Office is coordinating with fire and emergency response agencies.
“We are actively coordinating with our fire and emergency response partners and are prepared to take whatever actions are necessary to keep everyone at the facility safe,” Balaam said. “We will continue to evaluate conditions and respond accordingly.”
In the joint evacuation message with Edwards and Cochran, Balaam also said contingency plans are in place should conditions require the detention facility itself to be evacuated.
“We have those inmates in mind,” Balaam said. “We are making sure that we have plans in place in case we may have to evacuate the detention facility itself.”
U.S. 395 restrictions imposed during evacuations
The evacuations have prompted significant traffic restrictions along U.S. 395, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
All northbound traffic on U.S. 395 is closed beginning at Parr Boulevard.
Residents evacuating from areas north of Red Rock Road are being directed to use U.S. 395 to travel north out of the area.
Southbound U.S. 395 remains open for evacuation traffic. However, once motorists enter the highway, all off-ramps between Red Rock Road and Parr Boulevard are closed, requiring drivers to remain on U.S. 395 as they travel south toward Reno.
(Credit: Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Instagram.)
The Sheriff's Office asked people to avoid the area unless necessary and allow emergency personnel room to safely continue response operations.
Authorities are also asking residents to reserve 911 and emergency dispatch lines for emergencies only so they remain available to people requiring immediate assistance.
Evacuation center reaches capacity
The expanding evacuations have also affected shelter operations.
The Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center evacuation site is now full, according to emergency officials.
Evacuees are instead being directed to Hall 4 of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 South Virginia Street in Reno. Officials said additional updates will be provided as conditions change.
Hawk Fire visible from the air Sunday
A pilot flying from Truckee Tahoe Airport provided an aerial look at the Hawk Fire Sunday morning, reporting that fire activity remained visible on the backside of the mountain.
“I'm up at 11,700, just above the TFR, overlooking the Hawk spot,” the pilot, who identified himself as “Mike on the Bike,” said in the airport's video update. “It looks like it's on the backside. It's barely burning on the backside of the mountain right now, but, yeah, still doesn't look great.”
The pilot said winds were expected to increase Sunday afternoon and pointed to continued fire-weather concerns over the coming days.
“Winds are supposed to increase this afternoon,” he said, before thanking those responding to the wildfire. “All the best, and thanks to everybody fighting this thing down here.”
The aerial observations provide a snapshot of conditions visible from the air Sunday morning but are not an official assessment of the fire's acreage, containment or behavior.
Emergency officials continue to warn that conditions can change quickly and are urging residents to monitor official information and follow evacuation instructions.
The cause of the Hawk Fire has not been announced in the official information reviewed by OpGov.news. If you are in an evacuation zone, don’t wait to go. Check www.emergencywashoe.com for updates.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Submit Reno tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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