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Environment & Climate

Wildfire threatens Reno as thousands evacuate and state of emergency is declared

The human-caused Hawk Fire expanded rapidly across thousands of acres near Reno, leaving at least six injured and destroying multiple structures.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 02:15 UTC4 reports

The short version

  • The Hawk Fire ignited on Saturday and expanded across the foothills near Reno, Nevada, threatening neighborhoods and destroying several structures.
  • Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for 42,000 residents and evacuation warnings for an additional 45,000 people across Washoe County.
  • Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency, deploying National Guard troops and helicopters to assist hundreds of responders.
  • Officials have deemed the fire human-caused, though the exact circumstances of its ignition remain under investigation.

Key facts

  • The Hawk Fire started on Saturday in the Peavine Peak area near Reno and grew to encompass over 15,000 acres, driven by strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation.[Associated Press · The Guardian · Fox News]
  • Authorities placed 42,000 residents under mandatory evacuation orders and an additional 45,000 in warning zones, expanding alerts close to the University of Nevada campus.[Al Jazeera · Associated Press · The Guardian]
  • At least six people—three civilians and three first responders—suffered injuries, and multiple homes and structures were destroyed.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
  • Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, mobilizing the Nevada National Guard with 60 troops and two helicopter crews to aid hundreds of firefighters.[Al Jazeera · Associated Press · The Guardian]
  • The fire caused power outages affecting nearly 10,000 customers in Washoe County on Sunday, prompted patient evacuations at two hospitals, and forced closures on portions of U.S. Route 395.[Associated Press · The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • While law enforcement determined the fire was human-caused, authorities have not disclosed the specific origin or whether the ignition was accidental or intentional.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
  • The total number of destroyed structures remains unfinalized as active fire activity and changing winds continue to complicate damage assessments.[Associated Press · Fox News]

Sources