All Truckee Donner Utility customers lose power due to Hawk Fire in Nevada

Hawk Fire Spurs Power Outage and Evacuation Warnings

The Hawk Fire, burning in Washoe County, Nevada, has caused significant disruption across the region, including a widespread power outage. The Truckee Donner Public Utility District reported that nearly 15,000 customers in the Truckee area are without power after NV Energy enacted an emergency de-energization of transmission lines due to the fire's proximity. The utility district stated on Facebook that NV Energy de-energized the transmission line that feeds its system because of the fire near Verdi. The exact time for power restoration remains unknown.

Meanwhile, the fire has also led to evacuation warnings and road closures in both Nevada and California. As of 8:30 p.m. Saturday, the U.S. Forest Service reported that at least 10,500 acres had burned and nearly 1,000 structures were threatened. Reports from Saturday afternoon estimated approximately 1,000 homes under evacuation orders in Nevada near the California border, with evacuations expanding later to communities north of Highway 395 near Silver Lake.

Evacuation Warnings and Road Closures

The Sierra County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation warnings along the California-Nevada border, specifically for zones E024 and E061, which include the Verdi and Long Valley areas of eastern Sierra County. Under an evacuation warning, residents are advised to be prepared to leave if necessary.

Highway 395 is closed in both directions from Parr Boulevard to Red Rock Road due to the fire, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. This closure affects travel through Washoe County and potentially impacts commuters and area travelers.

Fire Behavior and Growth

Accounts of the fire's size vary. An earlier estimate, as reported by CBS News, placed the fire at 2,500 to 3,000 acres and said it was moving northeast. Meanwhile, SFGATE reported that the fire began in Washoe County and burned more than 10,000 acres by Saturday evening. As of 8:30 p.m. that day, at least 10,500 had burned. The larger figure likely reflects the fire's rapid growth.

The fire is burning north of Reno, near Peavine Peak, and northeast of Verdi, according to reports. The discrepancy in acreage and the destruction of structures suggests the fire has expanded significantly in the region.

Perspectives

The situation brings several distinct viewpoints:

• Utility District: The Truckee Donner Public Utility District emphasized the impact on its customers, stating that NV Energy de-energized the transmission line feeding its system due to the Hawk Fire's proximity to Verdi. The district did not indicate a restoration timeline.

• Fire Authorities: U.S. Forest Service and Washoe County Sheriff's Office have been authoritative sources for fire size and road closures, providing updates at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The sheriff's office reported the Highway 7153 closure.

• Evacuation Officials: Sierra County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation warnings for affected zones, indicating potential threats to residents in the Verdi and Long Valley areas.

• Rural Residents Affected: Directly affected residents face uncertain Restoration times and are urged to prepare.

Context

The Hawk Fire situation underscores the interplay between natural disasters and infrastructure shutoffs. NV Energy's emergency de-energization is a preventive measure often used during high-fire-risk conditions. However, it highlights the far-reaching effects of fire-induced outages, affecting both rural and urban populations. As the blaze continues, local officials emphasize the need for residents to stay informed and heed evacuation warnings.