Firefighters are gaining ground on the Hawk Fire near Reno, but about 63,000 residents remain under evacuation orders or warnings as officials warn the blaze could still flare up again.
The fire has burned more than 15,000 acres northwest of Reno. By Monday, firefighters had contained 27% of the blaze, with much of that progress concentrated on the side closest to Somersett.
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That allowed authorities to ease evacuation restrictions in several neighborhoods, including areas around Somersett and northwest Reno.
Containment improves near Somersett
The strongest progress in containment has been near Somersett, where crews have been holding the southern edge of the fire.
Firefighters also secured the section east of U.S. 395 where flames had crossed near Peppermint Drive. The interstate reopened in both directions Monday afternoon, though some access points remained closed.
Authorities cautioned that fire conditions could change quickly and told returning residents to stay out of burned areas where emergency crews and heavy equipment are still operating.
Thousands remain ready to leave
About 23,000 residents remain under red “Go Now” evacuation orders.
Another 40,000 are in yellow “Get Set” zones, meaning they should be ready to leave if conditions change.
Fire officials said some areas could become significantly more active again over the next day or two. Crews were watching the North Valleys side of the fire and rugged terrain to the northwest particularly closely.
Homes destroyed, damage count expected to grow
The Hawk Fire has destroyed at least 32 homes and damaged six others, fire officials said Monday.
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Chief Richard Edwards said that number is expected to rise as damage assessment teams reach more burned areas.
Four civilians and three firefighters have been injured. Officials said all three firefighters were burned early in the response, but their injuries were minor. The status of the injured civilians was not immediately available.
Earlier Monday, nearly 10,000 customers remained without power. By Monday evening, NV Energy said about 7,000 electric customers and 250 gas customers remained de-energized.
Rapid spread complicated evacuations
The fire’s rapid spread also complicated evacuations.
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said flames reached the Seneca Drive neighborhood from Peavine Mountain in about 45 minutes. At the time, evacuees and incoming fire crews had only one route through the area.
“We can do better, and we will,” Balaam said. He said officials are working on a better plan for moving residents out while allowing fire equipment in during future emergencies.
Officials say a person caused the fire, but investigators have not determined exactly how it started or whether it was deliberate.
More than 700 fire personnel are working the fire, including crews from 15 states, Australia and New Zealand.
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