Bay Area fire crews were deployed overnight to help fight the Hawk Fire near Reno, which has spread to more than 15,000 acres.
The Hawk Fire started late Saturday and grew, quickly driven by strong winds. As of Sunday evening, the blaze left six people hurt, more than 5,000 others without power and thousands affected by the evacuation orders.
As 800 firefighters battle the flames, thousands are leaving or ready to go.
“Currently, we have 42,000 individuals who are displaced and on an active evacuation with approximately 45,000 individuals that are in the status to be prepared to evacuate,” U.S. Forest Service Incident Commander Shane Ackerson.
Authorities confirmed the fire was human-caused, but haven’t said if it was suspected as arson.
Local fire agencies were mobilized by Cal OES to help on the fire lines. Overnight, a group left Oakland, two engines from different Bay Area departments and one engine and battalion chief from Oakland and San Francisco, as well.
“San Francisco was called early this morning a little bit after 1 a.m. to help with fires in the Reno area, we sent two type six fire engines which are larger pickup trucks style fire engines which are more maneuverable than most of the larger fire engines that people are familiar with,” San Francisco Fire Department Capt. Mariano Elias said.
The state agreement allows for fast aid while maintaining protection for California.
Closer to the fire, people are trying to stay safe, watching and waiting for word.
Annemarie Anaya, who used to live in the Bay Area but moved to the Reno area just over a year ago, was one of the residents who had to evacuate.
“I packed what I could and we loaded both cars, like I said electricity went off so my husband had to at least get the garage open to get the car out the garage and we just headed away,” she said. “It happened so fast, the winds kicked up and it just took over, so I know that the firefighters and the officials everyone is doing what they can I just hope everyone stays safe.”
