RENO, NEVADA — The human-caused Hawk Fire burned more than 15,000 acres by Sunday, forcing the evacuation of nearly 90,000 residents in Reno, Nevada. The blaze, which is burning in Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest on Peavine Peak, has prompted Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo to declare a state of emergency in Washoe County.

Nearly 14,000 homes were ordered to evacuate due to the fire, with 42,000 residents under mandatory evacuation orders and another 45,000 in an evacuation warning zone. The fire grew rapidly from 10,523 acres by Saturday evening to approximately 13,000 acres by Sunday afternoon before surpassing the 15,000-acre mark. As of Sunday morning, the fire was 0% contained.

"The wind-driven fires move very rapidly into our residential areas, creating a lot of challenges for our firefighters to save homes and protect lives," said Richard Edwards, Chief of Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue. He described the incident as dynamic and driven by winds, noting that evacuating before the fire arrives allows firefighters to focus on battling the blaze. Mayor of Reno Hillary Schieve urged residents to leave immediately if told to do so, stating that structures have already burned and lives are more important than buildings.

Three civilians and three first responders were injured in the fire, and several structures were destroyed. Approximately 400 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies are working on the incident. The Nevada National Guard was mobilized to support aerial firefighting with two helicopter crews, and 60 troops were assigned to help police safeguard evacuated neighborhoods.

Infrastructure and services across the region faced disruptions. Portions of U.S. Route 395 were closed, including the section from Parr Boulevard to Red Rock Road, and at least 20 road closures were in effect as of Sunday afternoon. Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County were without power on Sunday. The Reno-Stead Airport was closed to general aviation traffic but remained open to firefighting aircraft, while the Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the evacuation zone with commercial flights unaffected.

Evacuation efforts involved multiple facilities and organizations. The Reno-Prompts Convention Center was opened to evacuees, though pets were not allowed and were directed to two other locations. The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada also opened an evacuation shelter.

Casinos in Reno offered discounts on hotel rooms to evacuees. Evacuation warnings were issued for Sierra County, California zones E024 and E061, including Verdi and Long Valley areas.

Institutional responses prioritized safety for vulnerable populations. Northwest Specialty Hospital began evacuating patients, with a representative stating that the safety and well-being of rehabilitation and behavioral health patients and staff remain the highest priority. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam addressed concerns regarding correctional facilities, saying that the safety and security of every incarcerated individual and staff remains a top priority. He noted that plans are in place for potential facility evacuations and that officials will continue to evaluate conditions.

Residents described rapid and total losses. Cari Kieffer said she woke up and started crying because her children lost everything. "We lost all our stuff. Everything we own is gone," Kieffer said.

She recalled watching flames get closer and realizing they had to leave immediately. Jaida Hargrove said her family thought it would be OK until winds changed in about 30 minutes, causing the fire to come too fast. Her father was able to take only his two golden retrievers. Tyler Duvall said the wind really blew the fire up. Ted Melden said he hopes officials get a good handle on it, advising others to be prepared with a full tank of gas. Ken McNeil said firefighters are doing a great job using aircraft in an inaccessible area. "That’s an inaccessible area," McNeil said.

The University of Nevada Reno campus remained just outside the evacuation zone on Sunday morning. The public research university had an enrollment of about 24,000 students in fall 2025. New students were allowed to move in as early as August 13, and the first day of classes is scheduled for August 24. This event follows earlier incidents in August 2026, when three wildfires north of Reno forced more than 13,000 residents from their homes.

Why It Matters

The scale of the Hawk Fire evacuation, affecting nearly 90,000 residents and nearly 14,000 homes, represents a disruption to the second-most populous county in Nevada. The declaration of a state of emergency by Governor Joe Lombardo mobilizes state resources, including the Nevada National Guard, to assist local authorities in protecting lives and property. The human-caused nature of the fire and its rapid expansion due to wind highlight the challenges firefighters face in saving homes in residential areas adjacent to wildlands.

The impact extends beyond immediate property loss to critical infrastructure and services, including power outages for nearly 10,000 customers and road closures on major arteries like U.S. Route 395. Institutional evacuations, such as those at Northwest Specialty Hospital and planned contingencies for correctional facilities, underscore the broad operational response required to ensure safety for vulnerable populations. The involvement of multiple agencies and the opening of shelters by organizations like the American Red Cross illustrate the coordinated effort necessary to manage such a large-scale disaster.

Timeline

On September 19, 2024, the NCUA will hold a public hearing on a request from Dade County Federal Credit Union seeking to expand its existing community charter. Earlier in August 2026, three wildfires north of Reno forced more than 13,000 residents from their homes. On August 13, 2026, new students were allowed to move into the University of Nevada Reno. On August 16, 2026, Richard Edwards said the Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident driven by winds. Also on August 16, 2026, Hillary Schieve said if you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait. Edwards also stated on August 16, 2026, that wind-driven fires move rapidly into residential areas, creating challenges for firefighters. Governor Joe Lombardo said on August 16, 2026, that this is an active and rapidly evolving situation and urged vigilance. Lombardo also said on August 16, 2026, that the state is fully engaged and working to deploy resources to protect lives and keep Nevadans out of harm’s way.

What's New

Later reporting includes statements from officials and residents regarding the fire's behavior and impact. Edwards said the Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident driven by winds. Hargrove said that in about 30 minutes, the winds changed and the fire came way too fast.

Additional details confirm that nearly 14,000 homes were ordered to evacuate. Edwards also stated that wind-driven fires move rapidly into residential areas, challenging firefighters. Governor Joe Lombardo urged everyone in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow local officials' direction. Lombardo also stated that the state is fully engaged and working to deploy resources. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said the safety and security of every incarcerated individual and staff remains a top priority. Balaam also said officials will continue to evaluate conditions and respond accordingly.

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on the acreage burned by the Hawk Fire. The Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue incident report states the fire burned more than 15,000 acres by Sunday. Perimeter Map data states the fire burned 10,523 acres by Saturday evening. Additionally, the Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue incident report states the fire burned approximately 13,000 acres by Sunday afternoon, while Perimeter Map data maintains the figure of 10,523 acres by Saturday evening.