Hawk Fire Forces Evacuations in Northwest Reno as High Winds Push Blaze into Somersett

RENO, NV — Washoe County Emergency Management and the Reno Fire Department ordered mandatory evacuations for several residential subdivisions early Sunday morning as the fast-moving Hawk Fire pushed rapidly south into the Somersett and northwest Reno foothills.

Fire Behavior and Containment Operations

Fanned by sustained 35-mph canyon winds with gusts reaching 50 mph, the brush fire quickly grew to over 1,800 acres within hours of ignition along the Interstate 80 corridor. More than 200 firefighters from Reno, Sparks, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) deployed structure protection engines along residential perimeters.

Heavy air tankers and helicopter water drops were grounded overnight due to severe turbulence and zero-visibility smoke conditions but resumed operations at dawn as flight windows opened.

Community Evacuations and Shelter Facilities

Mandatory evacuation orders cover all homes north of Somersett Parkway and west of Robb Drive. Washoe County opened an emergency public shelter at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, providing cots, medical support, and small animal boarding services.

NV Energy de-energized high-voltage transmission lines in the fire perimeter as a safety precaution, leaving approximately 8,500 customers without electricity in northwest Reno.

Road Closures and Safety Warnings

Interstate 80 experienced intermittent lane closures between Reno and the California state line. Fire officials urged all non-evacuated residents in the Truckee Meadows to keep windows closed and avoid outdoor physical exertion as dense smoke settled across the valley.