Military helicopters join aerial firefighting response as Hawk Fire threatens Nevada’s Reno

Military helicopters have joined the aerial firefighting effort against the fast-moving Hawk Fire in north western Nevada, USA, as strong and shifting winds continue to push the blaze towards populated areas of Reno.

The Nevada National Guard has deployed Boeing CH-47 Chinook and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to support firefighting operations, adding rotary-wing water-dropping capability to a wider multi-agency response. The deployment comes as the fire has grown to more than 15,000 acres (23 square miles), with around 42,000 people under evacuation orders and a further 45,000 warned to prepare to leave.

Reno-Stead Airport, northwest of the city, has been closed to general aviation while remaining available to firefighting aircraft and military helicopters, underlining the impact of the incident on local aviation operations.

The fire, which officials say was human-caused, remains largely uncontrolled. At least six people, including three first responders, have been injured, while structures have been damaged or destroyed and thousands of properties have been affected by power outages.

Aviation crews are operating in challenging conditions, with strong winds and low humidity contributing to rapid and unpredictable fire behaviour. Forecast gusts of up to 25mph could accelerate the spread, while a change in wind direction overnight may provide more favourable conditions for firefighting operations.

The Guard’s involvement reflects the expanding role of military aviation in US wildfire response, particularly where fires threaten densely populated areas. Nevada National Guard helicopters have already been supporting wildfire operations elsewhere in the state this summer, including water-bucket missions involving hundreds of drops.

With the Hawk Fire continuing to threaten communities northwest of Reno, aviation assets remain a critical component of efforts to slow the fire, protect structures and support ground crews.

Greece recently deployed aerial firefighting assets as deadly wildfires spread across Crete.