Human-caused Hawk Fire destroys dozens of homes in Nevada, injuring 7 as tens of thousands asked to evacuate
Thousands of residents are without power, and authorities are working to determine how many structures have already been lost.
Human-caused Hawk Fire burning uncontained in Nevada
The rapidly growing Hawk Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres near Reno, prompting widespread evacuations and a state of emergency, with nearly 90,000 residents being asked or ordered to leave their homes. While the winds are expected to ease somewhat on Monday, gusts between 20 and 30 mph could still hamper firefighters.
THE TAKEAWAY
- At least 7 people have been injured as the Hawk Fire rapidly spreads.
- The Hawk Fire has now burned over 15,000 acres.
- Nearly 90,000 residents were ordered to or asked to evacuate. That number has since decreased.
- Gov. Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency for Washoe County in response to the fire.
RENO, Nev. — The rapidly growing Hawk Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres near Reno, prompting widespread evacuations and a state of emergency, with tens of thousands of residents being asked or ordered to leave their homes.
Officials announced on Sunday that the fire is human-caused, and seven injuries have been reported, including four civilians and three firefighters.
![RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Firefighters pack their truck after responding to a burned building during the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada.]()
Image 1 of 4RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Firefighters pack their truck after responding to a burned building during the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada. ((Photo by Trevor Bexon/Getty Images))
![RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: A firefighting equipped helicopter flies over the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada.]()
Image 2 of 4RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: A firefighting equipped helicopter flies over the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada. ((Photo by Trevor Bexon/Getty Images))
![RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Firefighters spray water on a burned structure during the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada.]()
Image 3 of 4RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Firefighters spray water on a burned structure during the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada. ((Photo by Trevor Bexon/Getty Images))
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Image 4 of 4RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Local residents look over a fence at the Hawk Fire burning on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada. ( (Photo by Trevor Bexon/Getty Images))
Thousands of residents are without power, and authorities are working to determine how many structures have already been lost.
Fire officials said early Monday they will work to keep the Hawk Fire south of U.S. Route 395.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONTROLLED AND CONTAINED FIRE?
The fire ignited Saturday near Peavine Mountain northwest of Reno and has been fueled by strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.
(FOX Weather)
While the winds are expected to ease somewhat on Monday, gusts between 20 and 30 mph could still hamper firefighters.
"The primary challenge remains the volatile, shifting winds, which continue to push the fire in multiple directions across rugged mountain terrain and directly toward dense residential areas," the FOX Forecast Center said.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONTROLLED AND CONTAINED FIRE?
About 900 firefighters and state and federal crews are working around the clock to battle the blaze, which is now 27% contained.
Fire officials said at least 32 homes have been destroyed, and six other homes have been damaged due to the Hawk Fire.
Firefighters work to contain the Hawk Fire in Nevada on Aug. 23, 2026.
(North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District / FOX Weather)
Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation zones extend across northwest Reno, while evacuation warnings remain in effect across surrounding communities.
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Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve has urged residents to leave immediately.
"If you are told to evacuate, please don't wait," Schieve said. "Structures have already been burned in this fire, and your life is more important than the building."
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Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the blaze threatens communities.
To support the response efforts, the Nevada National Guard was also mobilized, including two helicopter crews and 72 security personnel.
The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada has also opened an evacuation shelter for residents.
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Hawk Fire seen during daylight on Aug. 23, 2026.
(Sierra County Sheriff's Office / FOX Weather)
The fire has prompted major disruptions across the region, including the closure of U.S. Route 395 in both directions through portions of the area.
All Washoe County school events were canceled for Monday.
Additionally, the Reno-Stead Airport is closed to general aviation, though it remains open to firefighting and military aircraft. Operations at Reno-Tahoe International Airport are unaffected.
The Hawk Fire burns near Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026.
(Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District / FOX Weather)
Officials are asking people to stay out of evacuation areas until orders are lifted and it is safe to return.
Stick with FOX Weather for updates on this developing story.