Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Nevada Wildfire Injures Six, Forces Thousands to Evacuate
A large wildfire called the Hawk Fire started near Reno, Nevada.
It spread very quickly through an area where people live and work.
Six people were hurt, including firefighters and other residents.
Tens of thousands of people were told to leave or get ready to leave their homes.
Officials closed part of a major highway and thousands of people lost electricity.
The governor declared an emergency and sent National Guard troops and helicopters to help.
Hot, dry, and windy weather made the fire harder to predict and control.
Experts say wildfire seasons are lasting longer as conditions become hotter and drier.
Firefighters across the country are also battling many other large fires.
The human-caused Hawk Fire spread across more than 23 square miles near Reno by August 23, with zero containment reported.
At least six people were injured, including three first responders and three civilians.
At least 42,000 people were ordered to evacuate, while another 45,000 were placed under evacuation warnings.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency and activated National Guard support, including helicopters and 60 troops.
More than 50,000 wildfires have burned over 7.7 million acres across the United States in 2026, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
- Who
- At least six injured people, evacuated residents, more than 1,000 first responders, Nevada officials, and National Guard personnel were involved.
- What
- The human-caused Hawk Fire spread rapidly, injuring six people and prompting evacuation orders and warnings.
- When
- The fire began on the morning of August 22 and had spread rapidly by August 23; the article reports nationwide 2026 fire statistics.
- Where
- The fire burned across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest northwest of Reno, Nevada, near the California state line.
- Why
- Hot, dry, windy conditions, months of dryness, and record-low winter snowfall created conditions favorable for rapid wildfire spread.
- Fire name
- Hawk Fire
- Reported start
- Morning of August 22
- Area burned
- More than 13,000 acres reported by August 23; the fire also spread across more than 23 square miles
- Injuries
- At least six people, including three first responders and three civilians
- Evacuations
- At least 42,000 people ordered to evacuate and approximately 45,000 placed under evacuation warnings
- Emergency response
- More than 1,000 first responders, including approximately 800 fire personnel, were working on the fire
- National fire activity
- 50,580 wildfires had burned more than 7.7 million acres in the United States in 2026
- Containment
- Zero containment was reported as of August 23