Hawk Fire explodes on California border as evacuation warnings issued

A fast-moving wildfire near the Tahoe region has exploded to roughly 3,000 acres, with evacuation warnings now in effect for California communities near the Nevada border.

The Hawk Fire was estimated at 2,500 acres as of 3 p.m. Saturday, according to fire crews.

The blaze is spreading rapidly and could already be larger.

The fire erupted northeast of Verdi in Washoe County, Nevada, about 30 to 40 miles north of the Lake Tahoe area.

High winds and low humidity have helped the flames race across the landscape.

Containment remains at 0%.

Now California communities are on alert.

The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office issued a “Get Set” evacuation warning for Zones E024 and E061, covering the Verdi and Long Valley areas along the California-Nevada border.

Residents in those areas are being told to prepare to evacuate as the fire continues to grow.

Across the border in Nevada, the threat has already triggered mandatory “Go Now” evacuation orders.

While initial orders focused strictly north of Verdi and northwest of Somersett, authorities have significantly expanded the mandatory “Go Now” zones.

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Extreme wind gusts have pushed the danger zone south and east, engulfing the entire area surrounding Peavine Peak, as well as the back side of the mountain.

Mandatory evacuations are now actively in place for all neighborhoods north of Somersett Parkway, along Avenida de Landa, and stretching down Las Brisas Boulevard.

Mandatory “Go Now” orders now cover the west side of US 395 from Raleigh Heights north to Red Rock.

Strong winds are pushing the fire northeast toward the North Valleys, triggering new “Get Set” warnings for over 1,000 threatened homes in Golden Valley, Lemmon Valley, Stead, Hoge Road and North Virginia Street.