A wildfire known as the Hawk Fire is prompting significant evacuations in Reno, Nevada. As of Sunday, August 23, 2026, approximately 42,000 residents have been evacuated, while another 45,000 people have received warnings to prepare to leave due to the fire advancing toward northern neighborhoods.
The blaze started on Saturday in the Sierra Nevada foothills and has rapidly expanded to over 15,000 acres, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center’s Inciweb. At a press conference, Shane Akerson, a battalion chief with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, confirmed that the fire was human-caused but still under investigation. The fire has resulted in injuries to six individuals, including three first responders and three civilians, and destroyed multiple properties. Around 800 emergency personnel are actively combating the flames.
In response, the evacuation zone reached near the University of Nevada on Sunday, requiring residents to prepare for multiple days away from home due to challenging windy conditions affecting containment efforts. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, facilitating the activation of the National Guard and release of federal resources for fire containment. Residents are urged to stay informed and ready to leave quickly, with tens of thousands advised to maintain prepared “go bags.” The Reno-Sparks Convention Center is offering shelter to evacuees, with hundreds spending Saturday night there.
The Hawk Fire is the latest in a series of significant wildfires in Northern Nevada, following the Bug Fire and Stallion Fire within recent weeks. The Bug Fire, beginning on August 8, has impacted nearly 94,000 acres and is 94% contained. The Stallion Fire started two days later, affecting over 40,000 acres and achieving a 98% containment rate.
This year, wildfires have ravaged over 7.7 million acres in the U.S., marking the most extensive area affected year-to-date in a decade. Firefighters are currently working to manage 79 large fires across 18 states.