Summary (tl;dr)

A rapidly spreading and uncontained wildfire, the Hawk Fire, is currently burning over 10,000 acres in the Reno, Nevada area, prompting extensive evacuations, road closures, and a state of emergency.

Essential Background

The Hawk Fire ignited around 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in west Reno, near the Cold Creek Trail and Somersett. Initial reports indicated the fire had burned approximately 30-2,500 acres, threatening numerous homes. The fire's rapid growth has been attributed to strong, gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation in the region.

The Full Story

As of Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Hawk Fire has escalated significantly, burning an estimated 10,522 acres and remaining 0% contained. The wildfire is actively moving northeast, threatening approximately 1,000 homes in its path. Due to the dangerous conditions, mandatory "Go Now" evacuation orders are in effect for communities north and northwest of Somersett, north of Verdi, and areas on the west side of US 395, including Golden Valley, Lemmon Valley, and Stead. Evacuation warnings have also been issued for parts of Sierra County, California, particularly the Verdi and Long Valley areas. In response to the growing emergency, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, coordinating state and local resources. Multiple road closures are in place, including U.S. 395 between Parr Boulevard and Red Rock Road, and North Virginia Street between Red Rock Road and White Lake Parkway. Evacuation centers have been established, with the Reno-Sparks Convention Center now serving as a primary site after the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center reached capacity.

Why It Matters

The Hawk Fire poses a severe threat to both residents and infrastructure in the Reno area and parts of California. The uncontained blaze has already forced thousands from their homes and put a significant number of properties at risk. Beyond the immediate danger, the fire has caused widespread power outages, affecting thousands of customers in the Truckee and North Lake Tahoe regions due to emergency de-energization of transmission lines. The declaration of a state of emergency highlights the gravity of the situation and the extensive resources required to combat the wildfire. The smoke from the fire is also impacting air quality, and educational institutions like the University of Nevada, Reno, are offering support to affected students.

Geographic Location

• West Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, United States (wildfire ignition and spread)
• Somersett, Washoe County, Nevada, United States (evacuation orders and threatened homes)
• Verdi, Washoe County, Nevada, United States (evacuation orders)
• Golden Valley, Washoe County, Nevada, United States (evacuation orders)
• Lemmon Valley, Washoe County, Nevada, United States (evacuation orders)
• Stead, Washoe County, Nevada, United States (evacuation orders)
• Sierra County, California, United States (evacuation warnings)
• Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, United States (evacuation center)
• Washoe County, Nevada, United States (state of emergency declared)
• Truckee, Nevada County, California, United States (power outages)
• North Lake Tahoe, Placer County/Washoe County, California/Nevada, United States (power outages)