Hawk Fire in Nevada destroys 32 homes; blaze 27% contained
Fire on the hillsides outside Reno has burned more than 6,000 hectares; seven people injured and thousands evacuated.
A fast-moving wildfire on the hills outside Reno, Nevada — known as the "Hawk Fire" — has destroyed dozens of homes and is currently 27 percent contained, authorities said.
Initial estimates put the number of homes destroyed at 32, with another six damaged. Fire Chief Richard Edwards warned officials expect those figures could rise as crews continue to assess the affected neighborhoods.
Thousands evacuated as fire scorched more than 6,000 hectares
The blaze spread rapidly beginning on Saturday and has burned in excess of 6,000 hectares. Seven people have been reported injured, including three firefighters, as emergency services battled the flames on steep terrain at the edge of Reno.
At the peak of the incident, about 42,000 people were under evacuation orders while another 45,000 were told to be prepared to leave if conditions worsened. By Monday, mandatory evacuation orders affected roughly 23,000 residents.
Fire crews said the fire was caused by human activity; investigators have opened an inquiry but offered no additional details while the probe continues. Authorities urged residents to follow evacuation instructions and stay clear of active fire zones as containment efforts continue.
Photo: press material from the event
