Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Hawk Fire Surges Toward Reno, Prompting Widespread Evacuations
A large wildfire called the Hawk Fire is burning near Reno, Nevada.
Strong winds and very dry plants helped it spread quickly.
Officials ordered people from nearly 14,000 homes to leave.
The fire grew to more than 10,500 acres by Sunday morning.
Some buildings have burned, and roads and power supplies have been affected.
About 400 firefighters are working to stop the flames.
Nevada also activated National Guard troops to help protect evacuated neighborhoods.
People without pets can stay at an evacuation center, while separate places are available for animals.
Officials are telling residents to leave quickly when ordered because conditions can change fast.
The Hawk Fire expanded to more than 10,500 acres near Reno by early Sunday.
Authorities ordered evacuations affecting nearly 14,000 homes as the fire approached the city.
Strong winds, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation drove the blaze’s rapid growth.
About 400 firefighters and other personnel were battling the fire, supported by aircraft and the Nevada National Guard.
Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses lost power, while parts of US Route 395 were closed.
- Who
- Residents of the Reno area, firefighters, local and state officials, and Nevada National Guard personnel are involved.
- What
- The fast-moving Hawk Fire has grown to more than 10,500 acres, burned structures and triggered evacuations, power outages and highway closures.
- When
- The fire had reached this size by early Sunday, after erupting in the Sierra foothills.
- Where
- The fire is burning near Reno in Washoe County, Nevada, with the evacuation zone reaching the edge of the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
- Why
- Strong winds, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation fueled the fire’s rapid spread.
- Fire size
- More than 10,500 acres by early Sunday
- Evacuations
- Nearly 14,000 homes were under evacuation orders
- Firefighting response
- About 400 firefighters and other personnel were working to contain the blaze
- Power outages
- Nearly 10,000 Washoe County homes and businesses were without electricity
- Emergency declaration
- Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County
- Evacuation shelter
- The Reno-Sparks Convention Center opened to evacuees, but could not accommodate pets
- Transportation impacts
- Parts of US Route 395 were closed, and Reno-Stead Airport was closed to general aviation