Hawk Fire at Nevada-California Border Displaces Thousands

Fires burning on the Nevada-California border have prompted evacuation orders or warnings for almost 90,000 people as crews work to contain the blazes.

Multiple fires are burning in the area northwest of Reno and have crossed the Nevada-California border area. Public reporting on Aug. 24 placed the fire at more than 15,000 acres with no containment, with approximately 42,000 residents ordered to evacuate and another 45,000 under warning. Six injuries, including three first responders, had been reported.

Smoke Exposure and Health Risks for Displaced People

Wildfires can cause significant health impacts, including interrupting access to medications during displacement; smoke and poor air quality can also worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, with heightened risk for older adults, children, and people living with chronic illnesses.

Direct Relief has reached out to local and state organizations, including the California Office of Emergency Services, the Sierra County Sheriff's Office, the National Association of Community Health Centers, and Washoe County Search and Rescue, about medical needs that may arise as a result of the wildfires. Direct Relief is also in communication with health centers in the area, including Northern Nevada HOPES, which has requested personal care items for displaced people.

Wildfires and Emergency Medical Needs

Direct Relief, based in California with a long history of responding to wildfires in the American West and globally, maintains a stockpile of critical medications and supplies often requested to address health needs during wildfires, including respiratory health medications, N95 respirators, ophthalmic treatments, chronic disease management medications, water purification supplies, personal protective equipment, air purifiers, and more.

The organization will continue to respond to medical needs as they become known.