Mass Evacuations Underway as Hawk Wildfire Engulfs Sierra Nevada Foothills

About 42,000 people in the Reno, Nevada area have been ordered to evacuate their homes as a massive wildfire continues to spread on the Sierra Nevada foothills. The Hawk Fire, which started on Saturday, has already consumed over 15,000 acres of land and is drawing closer to the northern edge of Reno.

According to fire officials, progress was being made in containing the fire, but the incoming high winds late Monday and later this week pose a significant threat to the region. The fire has been slowly crawling towards the city since Saturday, and officials have urged approximately 87,000 people in Reno and Washoe County to evacuate.

Reno, with a population of around 300,000 people, has been severely impacted by the fire. The city’s residents have been advised to stay vigilant and keep themselves informed of the situation as it evolves.

Nevada Governor Declares State of Emergency

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency for Washoe County and has called upon the Nevada National Guard for aid. The National Guard has dispatched Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters to provide support to fire crews on the ground.