Reno casinos are offering assistance to the approximately 90,000 Nevadans displaced by the Hawk Fire.
The Hawk Fire started on Saturday, August 22nd, spreading rapidly to over 23 square miles by Sunday in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada’s primary national forest. About 42,000 residents in a mandatory evacuation zone have been told to leave, with an additional 45,000 people in a warning zone.
The Nevada wildfires have scorched more than 15,000 acres, with no containment reported as of Sunday.
“Please evacuate immediately if possible,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said on Sunday night. “Over the next 12 hours, the fire is expected to continue to spread vigorously in dense fuel areas.”
Authorities have confirmed that the fire was caused by humans, without specifying how that determination was made or if it was intentional.
Planning for Extended Stay
Evacuees are advised to plan for an extended absence due to unpredictable fire conditions caused by shifting winds.
The Grand Sierra Resort, Nugget Casino Resort, J Resort, Silver Legacy, Eldorado, and Circus Circus in Reno are offering discounted hotel rooms to evacuees. The Reno casinos are waiving resort fees and providing rooms for $49 at Nugget and $59 at the other properties.
As the Hawk Fire impacts families and neighborhoods in our area, we seek to provide a more accessible and affordable place for those needing shelter. We are grateful to the emergency personnel working tirelessly to protect the region,” said Grand Sierra Resort General Manager Cheraz Ecker.
First responders needing accommodation are also eligible for the discounted room rates.
To reserve a discounted room, use code EVACUEE at Grand Sierra, EVAC26 at Nugget, and HAWK26 at J Resort. For Silver Legacy, Eldorado, and Circus Circus, the code is SCLOC26.
Grand Sierra offers the most significant discount, with the $59 rate also waiving the $42.95 nightly resort fee.
Fire Origin Details
Authorities believe the Hawk Fire began near the Hawk Meadow Trail in the Somersett community in northwest Reno. It then spread into the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, reaching Peavine Peak.
Peavine Peak, the highest point on Peavine Mountain, is 3.5 miles from the California border.
Close to 1,000 first responders have been involved in battling the Hawk Fire. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo (R) has declared a state of emergency for Washoe County and enlisted the Nevada National Guard for support.