A fast-moving wildfire in Reno, Nevada, has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents as it surged to cover more than 13,000 acres (5,200 hectares) by early Sunday. The blaze, known as the Hawk fire, originated in the Sierra foothills and is actively pushing towards the heart of Reno, threatening numerous neighbourhoods and reaching the perimeter of the University of Nevada campus.

Nearly 42,000 residents have been compelled to leave their homes under a “GO NOW” evacuation order, which has been extended to encompass areas at the edge of the university campus. An additional 45,000 individuals reside within an evacuation warning zone, where they have been advised to depart immediately and prepare for a prolonged absence of several days. This directive aims to facilitate clear roadways for emergency first-responders tackling the escalating situation.

The Hawk fire's rapid expansion is attributed to a combination of adverse environmental conditions, including strong, gusty winds, critically low humidity levels, and abundant dry vegetation. These factors have fuelled the blaze, allowing it to grow significantly from its origin point in the Sierra foothills and advance with considerable speed towards the more populated urban areas of Reno.

Authorities have confirmed that the destructive wildfire was caused by human activity. Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue in Reno is actively managing the incident, coordinating efforts to contain the blaze and protect the affected communities. The challenging conditions continue to pose significant hurdles for firefighting crews as they work to bring the widespread flames under control.

With tens of thousands displaced and the fire continuing its aggressive progression, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and mitigating further damage to residential properties and key infrastructure, including the university campus. Residents in both evacuation and warning zones are urged to adhere to official guidance as the situation evolves.