Nevada’s Hawk Fire, blamed on human activity, forces 90,000 to flee as it threatens Reno

A major wildfire, dubbed the Hawk Fire, erupted near Reno, Nevada, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, and quickly escalated, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. The blaze, which fire officials have attributed to human activity, spread rapidly from the Sierra foothills towards central Reno, fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and parched vegetation. As of Sunday morning, August 23, the fire had consumed over 10,500 acres and remained 0% contained.

The fast-moving flames prompted urgent "GO NOW" evacuation orders for nearly 14,000 homes, impacting approximately 42,000 residents in Washoe County, with an additional 45,000 people in evacuation warning zones. Structures were reportedly destroyed, and at least six individuals, including civilians and first responders, sustained injuries. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency, deploying the Nevada National Guard to assist with aerial firefighting and to help secure evacuated areas.

In response to the emergency, parts of U.S. Route 395 were closed, and nearly 10,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages. Evacuation centers, including the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, were established to accommodate displaced residents, while Reno casinos offered discounted lodging. The University of Nevada, Reno campus was near the "GO NOW" evacuation zone, leading the university to monitor the situation closely and offer support to affected students.