gg2
Hawk Fire near Reno
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Hawk Fire near Reno grew to 10,500 acres, forcing nearly 14,000 homes evacuated. Governor declared emergency as winds drive blaze toward University of Nevada.
Background
The Hawk Fire is a fast-moving wildfire that started Saturday morning northwest of Reno, Nevada, and grew rapidly due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. It is part of an active fire season in the region, with other fires like the Bug Fire and Stallion Fire having recently burned nearby. The fire prompted evacuations and a state of emergency, with officials urging residents to follow evacuation orders.
How it unfolded
- Aug 22, 2026Hawk Fire first spotted before 11:30 a.m., grew to 2,500 acres by evening, threatening about 1,000 homes and prompting evacuations.
- Aug 22, 2026 21:18West Reno Hawk Fire prompts evacuations, with 'extreme danger' reported.
- Aug 23, 2026Fire grows to over 10,500 acres, 0% contained, forcing nearly 14,000 homes evacuated; 'GO NOW' zone reaches University of Nevada campus; Governor Lombardo declares state of emergency.
- Aug 23, 2026 18:22Fire covers more than 13,000 acres; additional 45,000 people in evacuation warning zone.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue Chief Richard Edwards: '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.'
- Official
- Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo: 'This is an active and rapidly evolving situation, and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials.'
- Official
- Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve: 'Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building.'
Still unverified
The cause of the Hawk Fire remains undetermined.