Overview
- The Hawk Fire began Saturday on Peavine Peak and grew to thousands of hectares over hours, driving flames down slopes toward homes and prompting evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents.
- Authorities declared a state of emergency for Washoe County and deployed the Nevada National Guard, hundreds of firefighters, and multiple aircraft to fight the blaze.
- Local officials say the fire was likely caused by human activity and investigators are working to determine how it started.
- The fast-moving blaze has destroyed multiple structures, injured at least six people including first responders, forced hospital evacuations, and produced power outages and road closures.
- Dry conditions that followed a low snowpack and recent regional fires have increased fire risk and strained resources, raising concern that containment may remain difficult in the days ahead.