Hawk Fire Shuts Down North Valleys High Sports Indefinitely
High School Football Games Interrupted by the Hawk Fire: What Happened and What’s Next
The Big Picture: A Saturday to Remember
Imagine playing a football game while a massive wildfire burns in the background. That’s exactly what happened on Saturday at Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nevada. The Hawk Fire created a dramatic and scary scene as high school teams played their games, unaware of how much the fire would disrupt their lives over the next few days.
Important Callout: The Hawk Fire has burned 15,051 acres (that’s about 11,400 football fields!) and is only 27% contained as of Monday afternoon. This is a serious emergency affecting thousands of people.
What Happened on Game Day
The North Valleys vs. Lowry Game
- Final Score: North Valleys Panthers 13 – Lowry 7
- The Drama: North Valleys scored the winning touchdown in the final minutes of the 4th quarter
- The Scary Part: Thick smoke from the Hawk Fire filled the sky behind the stadium
- The Surprise: Right after the game, the PA announcer told everyone that U.S. Route 395 (the main highway home) was CLOSED because of the fire
Coach Brad Rose Describes the Chaos
"It was definitely an eventful Saturday. Took us some time to get back up there. Once we got there, the power was out and the ‘ready to go’ evacuation order came in so trying to get everyone out while the traffic was pretty locked up was another challenge. But we all got out safely."
— Coach Brad Rose, North Valleys Football Head Coach
How the Night Ended for the Panthers
- Some parents picked up their kids directly at Mackay Stadium
- The rest of the team rode the bus back to North Valleys High School
- Power was out at the school when they arrived
- Evacuation orders meant everyone had to leave quickly
- Traffic was gridlocked on all major roads
The Ripple Effect: School Cancellations & Safety First
Washoe County School District Response
- District-wide school cancellation on Monday (except Gerlach K-12)
- North Valleys High cancelled ALL games and practices until further notice
- Safety declared the #1 priority for 2,000+ students
Athletic Director Travis Wilmoth’s Powerful Message
Key Points from His Statement:
- Thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted by the fire
- Thanks to coaches, admins, and district staff who handled the Saturday crisis
- Many students still in evacuation zones or "get ready" zones
- Unknown how many students lost homes or are displaced
- Community support will be needed once needs are assessed
McQueen High School Also Affected
Their Saturday Experience
- Game time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Mackay Stadium (earlier than North Valleys)
- Location: Team headed back to northwest Reno after the game
- Impact: Coaches and players had to evacuate their homes
- Good news: Coach Matt Marner confirms everyone is safe
Upcoming Games Status (As of Now)
| Team | Scheduled Opponent | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| McQueen Lancers | vs. Wooster (home) | Friday | NOT postponed yet |
| North Valleys Panthers | @ University Prep (Redding, CA) | Friday | NOT postponed yet |
Important Note: Both games are being evaluated "day by day and hour by hour." Decisions will be made based on safety conditions.
Understanding the Fire: By the Numbers
Hawk Fire Statistics (Monday Afternoon)
- Size: 15,051 acres
- Containment: 27%
- Evacuations: Active in multiple zones
- Road Closures: Major roadways still closed
What "27% Contained" Actually Means
Think of it like a circle drawn around the fire:
- 27% of that circle has been secured by firefighters
- 73% of the perimeter is still active or unsecured
- Firefighters are working 24/7 to increase that percentage
Step-by-Step: How Schools Handle Emergencies Like This
When a wildfire threatens a school community, here’s the typical process:
- Immediate Safety – Get students/staff out of danger zones first
- Transportation Chaos – Navigate road closures and traffic jams
- Family Reunification – Match every student with their family/guardian
- Assessment Phase – Determine who lost homes, who’s displaced, what’s needed
- School Decisions – Cancel classes/activities based on safety data
- Community Support – Coordinate resources for affected families
- Gradual Return – Resume activities only when authorities say it’s safe
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Topic | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Hawk Fire Size | 15,051 acres |
| Containment | 27% |
| North Valleys High Activities | ALL CANCELLED until further notice |
| Washoe County Schools Monday | CANCELLED district-wide |
| Student Safety | All accounted for – no injuries reported |
| Homes Lost | Unknown number – assessment ongoing |
| Friday Football Games | Still scheduled but likely to change |
Bottom Line: This goes way beyond football. With 2,000+ students at North Valleys alone, and many more at McQueen and other schools, the focus is entirely on keeping people safe and supporting families who may have lost everything.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Why were they playing football with a fire burning nearby?
The games were scheduled before the fire grew to this size. The fire spread rapidly during the games, and the stadium wasn’t in immediate danger at kickoff. Once the games ended, the situation had escalated dramatically.
Will North Valleys have to forfeit their games?
No. The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) has policies for natural disasters. Games will be rescheduled, not forfeited. The Athletic Director specifically mentioned working to reschedule games.
How can I help families affected by the fire?
The Athletic Director said: "Once we have determined the needs of our community, we will certainly take all the help and resources we can get." Watch for official announcements from Washoe County School District and North Valleys High School for donation drives and volunteer opportunities.
When will we know about Friday’s games?
Decisions are being made "day by day and hour by hour." Check:
- North Valleys High School social media
- Washoe County School District website
- Nevada Sports Net for updates
Is the fire still growing?
As of Monday afternoon, it’s holding at 15,051 acres with 27% containment. "Holding" means it hasn’t grown significantly in the last reporting period, but conditions can change quickly with wind and weather.
Stay Informed & Stay Safe
Official Fire Updates: MyNews4 Hawk Fire Coverage
Follow for Real-Time Updates:
- Washoe County School District (@WashoeSchools)
- North Valleys High School Athletics
- Nevada Sports Net (@NVSportsNet)
- Local emergency management alerts
Remember: Material things can be replaced. People cannot. The fact that all students, coaches, and staff are safe is the only "win" that matters right now.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Hawk Fire.