Rapid evacuation saves lives as Hawk Fire forces 14,000 from homes
Rapid evacuation of 14,000 homes initiated as Hawk Fire expands to 10,500 acres near Reno.
Event / Disaster
Hawk Fire Nevada August 2026
Large wildfire spreads rapidly from Sierra foothills toward Reno, Nevada on August 23, forcing evacuations of nearly 14,000-42,000 residents. The Hawk Fire grew to over 10,500 acres, determined to be human-caused, with 6 injuries reported. Governor declared state of emergency and mobilized National Guard. Nearly 10,000 homes lost power, major highways and airport closed, evacuation shelters opened.
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2026-08-24 to 2026-11-08 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Aug, 00:34 UTC
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What happened
Approximately 400 personnel deployed to combat Hawk Fire
Nearly 400 firefighters and personnel from local, state, and federal agencies, including ground crews and air resources from Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue and agencies across the California-Nevada state line, were working around the clock to battle the fire.
Six people injured in Hawk Fire
Six injuries were reported from the Hawk Fire, including three civilians and three firefighters.
Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses lose power in Washoe County
The fire caused widespread power outages, with nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County losing electricity on Sunday due to the Hawk Fire.
Reno-Stead Airport closed to general aviation
The Reno-Stead Airport was closed to general aviation due to the Hawk Fire, though it remained open to firefighting and military aircraft. Operations at Reno-Tahoe International Airport were unaffected.
Nearly 14,000 homes ordered evacuated in Reno area
Nearly 14,000 homes in Washoe County were ordered evacuated as the Hawk Fire advanced. The mandatory "GO NOW" evacuation zone extended to the edge of the University of Nevada campus. Nearly 42,000 residents were reportedly ordered to evacuate across the region.
Reno-Sparks Convention Center opened as evacuation shelter
Washoe County emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center to evacuees. The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada also opened an evacuation shelter. Residents with pets were directed to separate sites for small and large animals.
Nevada Governor declares state of emergency in Washoe County
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County in response to the Hawk Fire. He mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support firefighting operations with two helicopter crews and 60-72 troops to help protect evacuated neighborhoods and support law enforcement.
Hawk Fire determined to be human-caused
Officials announced that the Hawk Fire was human-caused, though specific details about how it started were not provided in available reports.
U.S. Route 395 closed due to Hawk Fire
Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway corridor through the region, were closed in both directions due to fire activity.
Northwest Specialty Hospital evacuated patients as precaution
The Northwest Specialty Hospital in Washoe County evacuated all patients as a precautionary measure due to the advancing Hawk Fire.
Hawk Fire grows to over 10,500 acres near Reno, Nevada
The Hawk Fire spread from the Sierra foothills toward Reno, Nevada, growing to more than 10,500 acres by Sunday morning. The fire ignited Saturday near Peavine Mountain northwest of Reno and was fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. As of Sunday morning, the fire was 0% contained.
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