Hawk Fire Burns 10,500+ Acres Near Reno; 14,000 Homes Evacuated August 23

A rapidly spreading wildfire near Reno, Nevada has burned over 10,500 acres and forced nearly 14,000 homes to evacuate as of Sunday, August 23. The Hawk Fire started Saturday and remains 0% contained. Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard with two helicopter crews and 60 troops to support firefighting and protect evacuated neighborhoods. Wind-driven conditions and dry vegetation are fueling the fast-moving blaze.

Fire grows rapidly across Peavine Mountain

The Hawk Fire started Saturday on a hillside in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Peavine Mountain, just outside Reno. By Sunday morning, it had grown to over 10,500 acres and remained 0% contained. Strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation are driving the fire’s rapid spread into residential areas. Some structures have already burned, and the “GO NOW” evacuation zone reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus.

Nearly 90,000 people ordered to leave

Approximately 14,000 homes were ordered evacuated, with 90,000 people living within evacuation zones. Evacuations expanded south to the Somersett community and northwest Reno neighborhoods. Northwest Specialty Hospital evacuated patients to other facilities. Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses lost power in Washoe County. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway, were closed.

State mobilizes National Guard and firefighting resources

Gov. Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and directed all state agencies to work through the Nevada Emergency Operations Center. The Nevada National Guard deployed one CH-47 Chinook and one UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew for aerial firefighting, plus 60 troops to help police safeguard evacuated neighborhoods. Approximately 400 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies are working the incident.

Fire started by people; cause under investigation

Fire officials announced the Hawk Fire was started by people but have not released a specific cause. Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Richard Edwards said wind-driven fires move rapidly into residential areas, creating major challenges for firefighters to save homes and protect lives. The Reno-Stead Airport is closed to commercial flights but remains open for firefighting and military aircraft. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is unaffected.

Final Thoughts

The Hawk Fire poses an immediate threat to thousands of residents in Washoe County. With 14,000 homes evacuated and the fire 0% contained, residents should follow all evacuation orders and avoid calling 911 for evacuation information. Updates are available on the Hawk Fire Facebook page or by calling 1-775-244-6988.

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