A fast-moving brush fire just outside Reno, Nevada, has grown to more than 10,500 acres, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency in Washoe County as strong winds continue to drive the flames across the hillside near Peavine Mountain. The Hawk Fire had reached 10,523 acres by Saturday evening, according to mapping platform Perimeter Map, with officials warning that the wind-driven blaze can move rapidly toward residential areas.
Hawk Fire grows rapidly near Reno
The wildfire has been spreading through brush and vegetation on a hillside near Peavine Mountain, northwest of Reno. Strong winds have made the fire particularly difficult to manage, with conditions capable of changing quickly.
Reno Police have asked residents to refer to Perimeter Map for the latest evacuation information as officials continue to assess areas threatened by the growing fire.
The expanding blaze has also raised concerns for homes and communities in its path, making evacuation preparations a key part of the emergency response.
Evacuations continue as fire threatens residential areas
Evacuation information remains a major concern as the Hawk Fire moves through Northern Nevada.
Residents in areas affected by evacuation orders or warnings are being urged to follow instructions from local authorities and monitor official updates. Because strong winds are influencing the fire's movement, conditions can change rapidly.
Reno Police have specifically directed residents to Perimeter Map for information about evacuation areas.
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Nevada governor declares state of emergency
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County because of the wildfire.
The declaration comes as firefighters and emergency agencies work to contain the growing blaze and protect people and property in communities near Reno.
The emergency response is being complicated by the fire's rapid movement and the strong winds pushing flames across the landscape.
Fire chief warns about wind-driven flames
Richard Edwards, chief of Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in Washoe County, described the situation as highly dynamic because of the wind.
"The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it's being driven by the winds," Edwards said in a video posted to social media.
Edwards also warned that wind-driven fires can move quickly when they approach populated areas.
"The wind-driven fires move very rapidly into our residential areas, creating a lot of challenges for our firefighters to save homes and protect lives," he added.
His comments underline the challenge facing crews as they attempt to slow the fire while protecting nearby homes.
Why the Hawk Fire is spreading so quickly
The combination of strong winds and dry brush can allow a wildfire to spread rapidly, while also making its direction harder to predict.
For firefighters battling the Hawk Fire, those conditions create additional challenges when flames move toward residential areas. Crews must work to contain the fire while also protecting homes and preparing for possible evacuations.
The fire's rapid growth to 10,523 acres has made it a significant emergency for Washoe County.
Residents urged to stay alert
As the Hawk Fire continues to burn near Reno, residents in potentially affected areas should closely monitor official evacuation information and follow instructions from emergency authorities.
Reno Police have directed residents to Perimeter Map for evacuation updates. With winds continuing to drive the blaze, officials are dealing with a rapidly changing situation.
The Nevada brush fire remains an active emergency, with firefighters focused on containing the flames and protecting lives and homes as the wildfire continues to spread near Reno.
