Hawk Fire forces about 42,000 people to evacuate near Reno
A fast-moving wildfire expanded beyond 13,000 acres near Reno on August 23, forcing about 42,000 people to evacuate and prompting a Nevada state of emergency.
In short
- A fast-moving wildfire expanded beyond 13,000 acres near Reno on August 23, forcing about 42,000 people to evacuate and prompting a Nevada state of emergency.
A fast-moving wildfire near Reno, Nevada, expanded to more than 13,000 acres on Sunday, August 23, 2026, forcing about 42,000 residents to evacuate as flames moved toward neighborhoods and the University of Nevada campus.
Authorities said another 45,000 people were in an evacuation-warning zone. Three civilians and three first responders were reported injured, several structures were destroyed, and nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County lost power. Parts of US Route 395 were closed.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard. About 400 personnel from local, state and federal agencies were working on the Hawk Fire, supported by ground and aerial resources.
Strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation complicated firefighting. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the evacuation zone and commercial flights were reported to be operating, while officials prepared contingency plans for other sites near the warning area.
