Reno Hawk Fire update: Washoe County School District schools canceled today - full list of closures

This weekend, over 42,000 residents were evacuated from the Reno area of Nevada, with an additional 45,000 people told to prepare for evacuation as a wildfire, known as the Hawk Fire, threatened the city. Local officials reported that the fire had already scorched 13,000 acres and had spread from the Sierra Nevada hills to the University of Nevada's northwest vicinity.

Smoke from the fire was visible in nearby residential neighborhoods, as captured in eyewitness video verified by Reuters. The fire was caused by human activity and is under investigation. Three civilians and three first responders were injured in the blaze.

The fire was first reported off Hawk Meadow Trail on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. local time, according to Richard Edwards, chief of Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. Firefighters faced "extreme red flag conditions" during the operation, which include warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds that increase the risk of wildfires. Edwards stated that similar conditions were expected to return on Sunday.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, which includes Reno and parts of Lake Tahoe, on Saturday. He urged residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials. The governor authorized the deployment of two National Guard helicopters and 60 National Guard personnel to support operations with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the evacuation zone, and commercial flights operated normally on Sunday.