DistantNews
Support us
Human-caused wildfire approaches Reno, Nevada, forcing thousands of evacuations
🇺🇸 United States /Disasters & Emergencies

Human-caused wildfire approaches Reno, Nevada, forcing thousands of evacuations

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A fast-moving, human-caused wildfire is burning near Reno, Nevada, prompting evacuations for about 90,000 people.
  • The Hawk Fire has consumed 20 square miles, destroyed homes, and injured at least six people, with authorities investigating its origin.
  • Nevada's governor declared a state of emergency, mobilizing the National Guard and hundreds of firefighters as unpredictable winds fuel the blaze.

A wildfire, identified as human-caused, is rapidly advancing near Reno, Nevada, forcing the evacuation of approximately 90,000 residents. The Hawk Fire, which ignited Saturday, has already scorched 20 square miles in the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest and destroyed an unknown number of homes.

It was extremely confusing.

— Darin BalaamWashoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam described the chaotic conditions caused by shifting winds during the wildfire.

Authorities reported at least six injuries, including three civilians and three first responders. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. "It was extremely confusing," said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam, describing how unpredictable winds shifted the flames, complicating firefighting efforts and evacuation routes.

Please get out if you can right now.

— Darin BalaamWashoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam urged residents to evacuate immediately due to the unpredictable nature of the fire.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County. The Nevada National Guard has been deployed to assist with aerial firefighting and to help secure evacuated neighborhoods. Around 800 fire personnel are battling the blaze, and portions of the major north-south highway, U.S. Route 395, have been closed.

I woke up this morning and just started crying, all my kids, they lost everything.

— Cari KiefferCari Kieffer described the devastation of losing her home to the Hawk Fire.

Residents faced difficult choices, with some, like Cari Kieffer, losing their homes. A video showed her house completely destroyed. "I woke up this morning and just started crying, all my kids, they lost everything," Kieffer said. "Everything we own is gone."

Everything we own is gone.

— Cari KiefferCari Kieffer expressed the total loss of possessions due to the wildfire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by PBS NewsHour. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog