Fast-growing Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada forces thousands to evacuate

A fast-growing wildfire spread from the Sierra foothills toward the center of Reno early Sunday, forcing nearly 14,000 homes to be evacuated.

The "GO NOW" zone reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus as the Hawk Fire grew to more than 10,500 acres. As of Sunday morning, it was 0% contained.

Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support aerial firefighting with two helicopter crews as well as 60 troops to help police safeguard evacuated neighborhoods.

"This is an active and rapidly evolving situation, and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials," Lombardo said in a statement posted on social media . "The state is fully engaged, and we are working alongside local authorities and first responders to deploy every available resource to protect lives, safeguard communities, and keep Nevadans out of harm's way."

The fire apparently began Saturday and grew significantly throughout the day, fueled by strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation, according to a statement from Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue, which joined the fight from just across the California state line.

"The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it's being driven by the winds," Richard Edwards, chief of Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in Washoe County, said in a video posted to social media . "The wind-driven fires move very rapidly into our residential areas, creating a lot of challenges for our firefighters to save homes and protect lives."

Washoe County, Nevada, emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center to evacuees, but said they couldn't bring their pets — small animals and large animals were to be left at two other locations.