Hawk Fire Reno: 15,000 Acres Burned, Evacuations 2026

A fast-moving wildfire known as the Hawk Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres near Reno, Nevada, forcing the evacuation of about 42,000 residents and leaving 0% containment as of Sunday, August 23, 2026. The human-caused blaze ignited Saturday afternoon in the Somersett area northwest of the gambling hub and exploded overnight, driven by gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.

What is the Hawk Fire near Reno?

The Hawk Fire started at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, near Hawk Meadow Trail in Washoe County, about five miles northwest of downtown Reno. According to the Washoe County Emergency Management, the fire is human-caused and remains under investigation. Within 24 hours it grew from roughly 2,500 acres to over 15,000 acres, with about 400 personnel and 10 air resources fighting the flames under a unified command of the U.S. Forest Service, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and Reno Fire Department.

The wildfire evacuation protocols in Nevada have been activated on a massive scale, with red-zone (GO NOW) and yellow-zone (GET SET) designations covering nearly 90,000 people across northwest Reno and the North Valleys.

Evacuation zones and emergency response

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County on Sunday. The declaration mobilizes the Nevada National Guard, which has deployed helicopters and about 60 personnel to support ground crews. "The fires are moving rapidly into residential neighborhoods, which creates major challenges for our firefighters in saving homes and protecting lives," said Reno Fire Chief in a statement reported by ABC News.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents to comply immediately with evacuation orders. "Buildings have already burned and your life is more important than a building," she said. No fatalities have been reported in the Hawk Fire, but at least six people — three civilians and three first responders — have been injured, according to the Reno Gazette Journal.

Road closures and power outages

• U.S. 395 is closed in both directions from Parr Boulevard to Red Rock Road
• North Virginia Street and other local roads are closed
• Reno-Stead Airport halted general aviation operations
• NV Energy reported up to 60,000 customers without power, later reduced to about 10,000

Evacuation shelters are open at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (Hall 4), with small animals accepted at Washoe County Regional Animal Services and large animals at the Ironwood Event Center.

Why did the Hawk Fire spread so quickly?

Fire officials cite a dangerous combination of strong winds, single-digit humidity and abundant dry cheatgrass and brush from an unusually hot summer. The fire's rapid growth — averaging more than 7,000 acres per day — mirrors patterns seen in the 2026 western US wildfire season, which has already produced destructive blazes in Washington, Utah, Canada and Greece. The Hawk Fire follows an even larger wildfire earlier in August that scorched nearly 40,000 hectares (about 98,800 acres) near Reno, killing a 78-year-old woman and seriously injuring her husband.

Impact on Reno and surrounding communities

The Washoe County School District and Truckee Meadows Community College canceled Monday classes, while the University of Nevada, Reno campus remained outside the evacuation zone and planned normal operations. Local officials also warned against price gouging, and Nevada's attorney general asked residents to report suspected cases tied to the fire.

The climate-driven wildfire risk in Nevada has prompted renewed calls for defensible-space measures and emergency preparedness. With 0% containment and red-flag conditions expected to persist, authorities say evacuation orders could expand further into the week.

FAQ: Hawk Fire Reno Nevada

How many acres has the Hawk Fire burned?

As of Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Hawk Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres (about 6,070 hectares) with 0% containment.

Where is the Hawk Fire located?

The fire is burning about five miles northwest of downtown Reno, Nevada, near the Somersett and Verdi areas of Washoe County.

How many people are evacuated?

Roughly 42,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, with another 45,000 under evacuation warnings — nearly 90,000 people affected.

Is the Hawk Fire contained?

No. Containment remains at 0%, and crews are building fuel breaks to keep the fire south of Cold Springs and north of Somersett.

What caused the Hawk Fire?

The fire is human-caused and remains under investigation, according to Washoe County Emergency Management.