RENO, Nevada (AP) — Fire crews have made progress in containing a wildfire in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Reno, Nevada, which has destroyed more than 30 homes. As of Monday, containment of the Hawk Fire reached 27%, with no new growth reported. The fire has remained at approximately 23 square miles (60 square kilometers) since it began spreading out of control on Sunday.
The number of residents under evacuation orders has decreased to about 63,000, down from over 90,000 as the fire expanded. Although winds have calmed, officials remain concerned that gusts could still spread the fire into nearby neighborhoods. Firefighters are facing challenges due to high temperatures and low humidity. At least 32 homes have been confirmed destroyed, with the number expected to rise as assessment teams continue their work.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve expressed concern about the rapid spread of the fire, stating, "It lit up these areas like nothing I’ve seen before."
Schools in Washoe County were closed Monday due to the evacuations, and Nevada’s governor declared a state of emergency in the area, deploying the National Guard to assist with firefighting efforts and protect evacuated neighborhoods.
The Hawk Fire, which began on Saturday, has resulted in injuries to at least seven individuals, including three first responders. Fire officials have indicated that human activity is responsible for this fire, as well as two other recent wildfires in the region. The cause of the Hawk Fire remains under investigation.
Reno, which has a population of approximately 280,000, is known for its casinos and proximity to Lake Tahoe. The upcoming Burning Man festival organizers have requested that attendees refrain from booking accommodations that could be used by fire evacuees.
The National Interagency Fire Center has reported that much of Nevada's western edge is at an increased risk of wildfires this week due to high winds and low humidity. The National Weather Service forecasts warm, dry, and breezy conditions, with critical fire weather conditions possible later in the week. This summer has seen a significant increase in wildfires across the American West, with over 50,000 wildfires reported nationwide, the highest number in the past decade.