Hawk Fire Rages Near Reno, Nevada: Thousands Evacuated as Wildfire Spreads Rapidly

RENO, Nev. — A fast-moving wildfire named the Hawk Fire forced more than 40,000 people to leave their homes near Reno on Sunday. Strong winds quickly spread the fire across 13,000 acres, destroying several buildings and shutting down main roads while firefighters worked to bring it under control. Here’s the latest update!

Hawk fire threatens Nevada

Key Takeaway

• At least 6 people have been injured as the Hawk Fire rapidly spreads near Reno.

• The fire has burned more than 13,000 acres, with the perimeter continuing to grow.

• About 42,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, while another 45,000 are under evacuation warnings.

• Gov. Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as crews battle the fire.

Hawk Fire Grows Rapidly as Evacuations Expand

The Hawk Fire grew rapidly after it was first reported near Hawk Meadow Trail northwest of Reno at about 11:15 a.m. PDT on Saturday, Aug. 22. 

By Sunday, the fire had burned about 13,000 acres, Reuters reported.

The fire spread toward northern Reno, with evacuation zones extending from the Sierra Nevada foothills toward the University of Nevada campus. 

About 42,000 residents were under evacuation orders, while another 45,000 people were in a warning zone and told to be ready to leave.

The most urgent evacuation area, marked Level 3 “Go Now,” expanded across northwest Reno as the fire moved closer to populated areas. 

The University of Nevada, Reno campus remained just outside the evacuation zone as of Sunday, although the university hard prepared an emergency response plan in case conditions changed.

Smoke and flames rise from the Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 22, 2026

Source: Fox Weather

The rapid growth left little time for some residents to prepare. One Reno resident told The Guardian that his home entered the evacuation zone within a day after the fire began.

Officials said the Hawk Fire was human-caused, but its exact origin remained under investigation. (Read more: What causes wildfire?)

Strong Winds Fuel Hawk Fire Near Reno 

Strong winds, low humidity and hot, dry conditions are making the Hawk Fire harder to control near Reno. 

The National Weather Service had warned of critical fire weather conditions across the region, with strong winds expected to increase the risk of rapid fire spread.

Wind gusts can push flames through dry grass and brush and carry embers ahead of the main fire.

Changing wind direction also makes it harder for firefighters to predict where the fire may move next. 

The Guardian reported that shifting winds were adding to the challenges facing crews.

The weather conditions are part of a broader period of elevated wildfire risk in northern Nevada. Dry vegetation provides fuel for the fire, while low humidity allows it to burn more easily. 

Forecasters continued to monitor wind and humidity as conditions around Reno changed.

Smoke rises from the fast-moving Hawk Fire near Reno as strong winds fuel the blaze.

Source: FOX5 Vegas

Check the latest weather forecast for Reno to see how wind and other conditions may change in the coming hours. 

Hawk Fire Damages Homes and Disrupts Reno Area 

According to Reuters, at least six people, including three civilians and three first responders, were injured as the fire spread.

The fire also caused widespread power outages. Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County were without electricity as crews continued to respond to the blaze.

Several roads were closed because of the fire, affecting travel around the Reno area.

Parts of U.S. 395 were among the affected routes, while officials also reported multiple road closures as the fire response continued.

The fire's effects also reached across the Nevada-California border.

Sierra County, California, issued evacuation warnings for some areas near the fire, adding to concerns for communities along the border.

Learn how wildfire smoke can affect human health!

The disruptions have added pressure on local communities as residents deal with damaged property, power outages, and limited access to some roads.

The Hawk Fire approaches residential areas in northwest Reno, Nevada

Nevada Declares Emergency as Crews Battle Hawk Fire 

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as crews worked to contain the Hawk Fire near Reno. 

The declaration allows the state to mobilize additional resources as the wildfire continues to threaten the area.

Fire crews battle the Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada

Source: KRNV

The Nevada National Guard was deployed to support the response. 

Two Guard helicopters were also made available for firefighting operations, while hundreds of personnel from local, state and federal agencies worked on the fire. 

The Guardian reported that more than 400 personnel were involved in the response.

Fire crews have been working under difficult conditions, with officials closely monitoring the fire as it continues to change. 

Authorities have also set up shelters and provided assistance for people forced to leave their homes, including resources for displaced pets.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained open and outside the evacuation zone, although the fire response affected some local transportation routes. 

Officials urged residents to follow evacuation instructions and stay alert for changes from local authorities.

See the weather conditions in Washoe County as the Hawk Fire response continues. 

References

1. Fox Weather

2. AP News

3. USA Today

4. The Guardian

5. The Reuters

6. KCRA3