1 week ago
Hawk Fire Leaves Seven Injured as Evacuations Continue in Reno
A wildfire called the Hawk Fire is burning near Reno, Nevada.
It started on August 22 and spread across more than 15,000 acres.
Strong winds are making the fire move quickly and making it harder to stop.
Firefighters had contained 27% of the fire by Monday.
About 24,000 people still had to stay away from their homes, although that number had been higher earlier.
At least seven people were injured, and 32 properties were destroyed.
More than 900 firefighters are using trucks, helicopters and bulldozers to fight the flames.
Officials say the fire was caused by people, but they do not yet know whether that was intentional.
The Hawk Fire had burned more than 15,000 acres near Reno by Monday and was 27% contained.
About 24,000 people remained under evacuation orders, down from a peak of 40,000; an earlier Monday estimate was roughly 90,000.
At least seven people, including three first responders, were injured, while 32 properties were destroyed.
More than 900 firefighters, supported by aircraft, bulldozers and international crews, were battling the wind-driven blaze.
Nevada declared a state of emergency, deployed National Guard personnel and reported that schools would remain closed through Tuesday.
- Who
- The Hawk Fire is affecting Reno-area residents, firefighters, first responders and emergency agencies, with more than 900 firefighters involved.
- What
- A wind-driven wildfire has injured at least seven people, destroyed at least 32 properties and prompted evacuation orders.
- Where
- The fire spread through the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Reno, Nevada, close to the California state line.
- When
- The fire began on August 22; evacuation orders and firefighting operations continued on Monday, with schools also closed Tuesday.
- Why
- Officials said the fire was human-caused, but its exact origin and whether it was intentional remain undetermined; strong winds and dry brush have fueled its spread.
Key facts
- Containment
- 27% contained as of Monday afternoon
- Evacuations
- Approximately 24,000 people remained under evacuation orders later Monday; the peak was 40,000, while an earlier Monday estimate was roughly 90,000
- Fire size
- More than 15,000 acres, or about 6,000 hectares
- Injuries
- At least seven people injured, including three first responders
- Property damage
- At least 32 properties destroyed, with additional properties damaged
- Firefighting response
- More than 900 firefighters were using engines, helicopters and bulldozers
- Power outages
- About 10,000 Washoe County residents were without power Monday, down from 60,000 on August 22
Quotes
Richard Edwards
Chief of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District
“We do not know if it was intentional or unintentional. So the investigators are still working through that right now. More than likely, this fire will be classified as undetermined.”
livemint.com
“The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it's being driven by the winds. The wind-driven fires move very rapidly into our residential areas.”
livemint.com
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Law-enforcement agency in Washoe County, Nevada
“This remains a dynamic situation, and conditions can change quickly”
livemint.com
Sources
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