Hawk Fire threatens Reno, thousands evacuated
According to a report by BBC news, nearly 90,000 people in and near Reno, Nevada face evacuation orders as the Hawk Fire has consumed at least 15,051 acres. It was zero percent contained as of 6 p.m. yesterday, Sunday, Aug. 23,
Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County due to the “active and rapidly evolving situation.”
According to Watch Duty, at 8:24 p.m. yesterday, firefighters remain fully engaged today, extinguishing hotspots and working to keep the Hawk Fire south of U.S. 395. Fire stayed in its footprint today.
Damage assessment teams are assessing structures in the affected area. Homeowners will be notified directly if their property has been impacted.
Public meeting
A community meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. tomorrow at 75 Cowan Drive, Reno, Nevada.
According to a Facebook post we’ll be livestreaming the meeting, here on the Hawk Fire Facebook page and our public information officers will be monitoring and answering questions in the comments throughout the event.
After our speakers finish, we’ll break into small group discussions so everyone has a chance to share concerns, ask questions, and connect directly.
Firefighters continue working around the clock to protect lives, property, and communities. Please stay informed and follow official guidance.
U.S. 395 remained closed on Sunday. Southbound traffic was being turned back at the California border. Southbound Highway 395 remains open from Red Rock Road into Reno. Northbound traffic was closed from Parr Boulevard to Red Rock Road.
According to a Facebook post, yesterday firefighters remain fully engaged today, extinguishing hotspots and working to keep the Hawk Fire south of Highway 395. Fire stayed in its footprint today.
Damage assessment teams are assessing structures in the affected area. Homeowners will be notified directly if their property has been impacted.
Statement from the American Red Cross
More than 150 people forced from their homes by the Hawk Fire spent the night at an evacuation shelter staffed by American Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers, alongside Washoe County staff and community partners. Other evacuees chose to remain in their cars, campers and RVs in the parking lot while still accessing shelter services.
The shelter at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center remains open for people displaced by the fire. Red Cross disaster workers, Washoe County staff and community partners are providing meals, water, health services, emotional support and other care for evacuees waiting to learn when they can return home safely. The Salvation Army will provide breakfast at the shelter Sunday morning.
Shelter location
Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Hall 4, 4590 S. Virginia St., Reno.
“This fire moved quickly and forced hundreds of people to leave their homes with little notice,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada. “Our volunteers will continue to be here for people who need a safe place to stay, something to eat or simply a place to regroup while they wait for more information.”
Red Cross shelters are open to anyone affected by an emergency. No identification is required. People coming to the shelter should bring essential medications, clothing, important documents, chargers and other personal items if possible. Information about open Red Cross shelters is available at redcross.org/Shelters or by calling (800) RED CROSS ((800) 733-2767).
Hawk Fire forces evacuations across Washoe County
The Hawk Fire grew rapidly Saturday amid strong winds and dry conditions, forcing widespread evacuations in Washoe County. By early Sunday, the fire had burned more than 10,500 acres and was threatening nearly 1,000 homes.
The fire prompted evacuations in northwest Reno, the Sommersett community and North Valleys Neighborhoods, with evacuation warnings extending across the Nevada-California state line into Sierra County. Highway 395 was closed between Parr Boulevard and Red Rock Road as firefighters worked to slow the spread of the fire and protect nearby communities.
Fire conditions and evacuation areas can change quickly. Residents should follow instructions from local authorities and check the Perimeter Map for the latest evacuation zones, road closures and emergency information. Anyone under an evacuation order should leave immediately, and people in evacuation warning areas should be prepared to leave quickly if conditions change.
Support for disaster relief efforts
Community support can help families facing disasters, including those recovering from the wildfires in Northern Nevada. Contributions to Red Cross Disaster Relief provide shelter, food and other critical support to people in need. These donations also help the Red Cross prepare for and respond to future disasters. To donate, visit redcross.org/Donate, call (800) RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999.
Download Red Cross apps
The free Red Cross Emergency App provides weather alerts, shelter locations and disaster safety information. The free Red Cross First Aid App offers step-by-step guidance for common injuries and emergencies. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps to download.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.
For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
