August 24, 2026
Wildfire Update | August 24, 2026 | 2 min read
A fast-moving, human-caused wildfire is bearing down on neighborhoods near Reno, Nevada, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate and prompting a state of emergency. Here's what's happening and how far the smoke could reach.
The Hawk Fire started Saturday, August 22, northwest of Reno near Peavine Mountain, and advanced Sunday down a hillside toward residential neighborhoods on the city's outskirts. The fire is burning just miles from the Nevada-California state line, close enough that officials in both states are monitoring it.
The fire has burned more than 15,000 acres and remains at 0% containment. It grew roughly 6 miles in under 24 hours over the weekend, driven by wind gusts exceeding 40 miles per hour. Officials say the fire is human-caused, though the exact origin and whether it was intentional remain under investigation.
About 42,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, with another 45,000 in warning zones asked to be ready to leave. Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County and activated the Nevada National Guard. Two medical centers have evacuated patients, nearly all Washoe County schools canceled classes, and roughly 10,000 utility customers were without power as of Monday morning.
Firefighters face a difficult week ahead. Wind gusts up to 35–40 mph are expected through Saturday, and unlike a typical overnight lull, temperatures and winds haven't been easing after dark, making the fire harder to get ahead of. Officials also warn that poor air quality will be a growing concern, especially in calmer morning hours when smoke settles closer to the ground.
Prep your home before smoke arrives
Wildfire smoke can travel well beyond the fire's edge. A few steps to take now:
Sources: CNN, ABC News, CBS News, Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
