The massive wildfire that forced evacuation orders and warnings for roughly 90,000 people around Reno, Nevada, has destroyed at least 32 homes, but firefighters are now making significant progress against the blaze.
The Hawk Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres northwest of Reno and was 27% contained in the latest official assessment, a sharp improvement after the fire remained completely uncontained through much of Monday. Six additional homes have been damaged, and officials have warned that the property-loss figures could increase as assessment teams continue examining burned areas.
Evacuation orders have also been scaled back in some neighborhoods. Roughly 23,000 people remained under mandatory evacuation orders in the latest reporting, while another 40,000 were being advised to remain ready to leave. Some residents in northwest Reno have already been permitted to return home, although authorities warn that conditions can change quickly.
Seven people have been injured in the fire, including four civilians and three firefighters. More than 900 personnel are now battling the blaze, with crews arriving from across the United States as well as Australia and New Zealand. The fire has been determined to be human-caused, although investigators have not said whether it was accidental or intentional.
The Hawk Fire erupted Saturday and spread rapidly through extremely dry vegetation toward populated areas around Reno. Improved winds have helped firefighters establish containment lines, but hot temperatures, low humidity and dry brush continue to create dangerous conditions as crews work toward bringing the fire fully under control.
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