Regular campus operations will continue on Monday, Aug. 24.
A vegetation fire ignited on the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest overlooking northwest Reno on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 22. Based on Watch Duty, as of 3:00 p.m on Sunday, Aug. 23, the Hawk Fire has burned at least 15,000 acres and remains 0% contained.
Richard Edwards, fire chief of the Truckee Meadows Fire District, posted on their social media advising affected individuals to prepare their Go Bags. Edwards said the fire is driven by winds, making it a very dynamic incident.
The fire has been confirmed as human-caused. Two recent wildfires near the Biggest Little City called the Bug Fire and Stallion Fire were also man-made. According to the Reno Gazette Journal, Shane Akerson, a battalion chief with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection, said the investigation is still ongoing.
Evacuation notices have been issued across the Washoe and Sierra Counties. The University of Nevada, Reno lies just on the edge of surrounding areas with “Get Set” evacuation warnings.
The University recently sent out a message providing advisory and updates about the fire. Campus operations will continue on Monday, Aug. 24.
“Students directly affected by the Hawk Fire can receive support, guidance, and resources through the Dean of Students Office. Students who are currently in an evacuation zone and need immediate assistance securing temporary housing are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office.
- Sunday, Aug. 23: If students need to find temporary assistance over the weekend, contact the Dean of Students, Leilani Kupo at 775-784-4296 between noon and 6 p.m. (PST).
- Monday through Friday: Please call 775-682‐6846.
Students who may be unable to attend classes due to the fire should notify their instructors directly or contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@unr.edu for assistance.”
Evacuees can go to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, located at 4590 S. Virginia St. The other evacuation center, Evelyn Mount Community Center at 1301 Valley Road, has reached capacity. Small animals can go to Washoe County Regional Animal Services at 2825 Longley Ln, and the larger animal shelter is Ironwood Event Center at 5600 Whiskey Springs Rd. For live evacuation updates, check out https://perimetermap.com/.
Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the fire continues to spread. Lombardo mobilized the state’s National Guard to aid the current efforts of fire personnel.
