A wildfire broke out near the Cold Creek Trail in Somersett, a master-planned community in the foothills of northwest Reno, on Saturday afternoon. The blaze, named the Hawk Fire, prompted evacuation warnings and threatened structures in the area.
According to Watch Duty, a wildfire tracking service, the fire was initially reported at 30 acres. The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that the fire had grown to 30 to 40 acres and was spreading rapidly, more than doubling in size in less than 25 minutes. The fire started about 1 mile north of Cold Creek Trail, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal, and was sending a large plume of smoke drifting east. Residents and drivers in the Somersett and Verdi areas shared videos and photos showing a large cloud-like plume of smoke visible from far away.
Evacuation Warnings Issued
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office issued a GO Level evacuation warning for the Somersett Peak and South Mountain areas. The fire was moving west toward Martin Luther King Jr. Highway. To the north, the GO alert extended to the Sierra Canyon area. Areas south of North Virginia Street were placed under a SET alert.
The affected areas were mostly north and northwest of Somersett, as well as some areas north of Verdi, including Somersett Parkway, Avenida de Landa, and Las Brisas Boulevard.
"While the majority of the evacuation area is unpopulated, residents near the immediate area should remain alert and prepared, as conditions can change rapidly," said the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. "Please use caution in and around the area, remain alert for changing conditions, and be aware of emergency vehicles and personnel responding to the incident."
Incident command notified that some structures were threatened, as reported by both the Reno Gazette-Journal and Hindustan Times, the latter citing the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Red Flag Warning in Effect
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning on Saturday for much of northwestern Nevada and several counties in northeastern California. The warning covered Washoe, Douglas, and Storey counties, as well as western Lyon County and Carson City in Nevada. In California, the warning covered Surprise Valley and eastern and southern Lassen County.
Southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph were expected through 11 p.m. Saturday, with gusts up to 40 mph. Humidity as low as 12% was also a factor.
"The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them," the National Weather Service reported.
Residents were advised to avoid outdoor activities that could cause a spark near dry vegetation, including yard work, target shooting, or lighting campfires.
The fire near Somersett started about 11:30 a.m. Saturday, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal, which noted that the community is in the foothills of northwest Reno. The exact cause of the fire has not been reported.