Hawk

Hawk Fire Report - August 26, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Hawk Fire ignited shortly before 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on Peavine Peak, just outside of northwest Reno in Washoe County, Nevada. The fire was named for its proximity to the Hawk Meadow Trail.
Size and Containment: As of August 26, 2026, the fire has burned 15,067 acres. Containment efforts have progressed significantly over the last 72 hours, with overall containment reported between 27% and 85% across different flanks of the fire.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Driven by extremely dry vegetation (brush and timber), strong unpredictable winds, and low humidity, the fire exhibited extreme fire behavior and a rapid rate of spread, growing to 15,000 acres in about a day. The fire was intense enough to jump over first responder equipment and change directions multiple times.
Containment Efforts: Unified Command involves the U.S. Forest Service, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, and the Reno Fire Department. Over 800 personnel are assigned to the incident, including roughly 750 firefighters from across the West, Australia, and New Zealand, supported by aerial firefighting aircraft and the Nevada National Guard. The southwest flank has seen the successful completion of hand and machine lines. Additionally, FEMA has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to cover up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: At the peak of the fire, approximately 90,000 residents were impacted by evacuation orders or warnings, with up to 42,000 under mandatory "Go Now" orders. As containment has increased, many orders have been downgraded, allowing approximately 9,300 residents in areas like Golden Valley and Raleigh Heights to return home.
Evacuation Warnings: Tens of thousands of residents (roughly 63,000 total) remain under "Get Set" evacuation warnings, including areas like Somersett. Officials urge residents to remain vigilant as wind conditions can change quickly.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Residents can call 311 for current information on sheltering, donation needs, and evacuation support. Evacuation zones can be monitored using the official Perimeter Map system.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Portions of U.S. Route 395 were closed during the fire's initial run but have begun to reopen as conditions improve.
• The Washoe County School District closed most schools earlier in the week. By Wednesday, August 26, most schools will reopen, except for 13 schools directly impacted by the fire, including North Valleys High School, McQueen High School, and Cold Springs Middle School.
• Northwest Specialty Hospital evacuated its patients out of an abundance of caution.
• The Washoe County Sheriff's Office has temporarily reduced some non-emergency services (such as permits and general front desk services) to redirect personnel to the fire response.

For more information, visit:

• Emergency Washoe
• Washoe County Sheriff's Office
• Perimeter Map - Washoe County Evacuations

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no fatalities reported. However, at least seven people have been injured, including three first responders and four civilians.
Structures Impacted: The fire has destroyed 47 residential structures and 1 commercial structure, with an additional 8 structures seriously damaged. Most of the homes lost were located west of U.S. 395. Damage assessment teams remain in the field.
School and Business Closures: As noted, 13 Washoe County schools remain closed, and local businesses in the evacuation zones have been forced to suspend operations.
Notable Impacts: Several city employees and at least one first responder lost their homes in the blaze. The fire also reached the perimeter of the Ormat Geothermal Power Plant, where firefighters have been actively engaged in structure protection.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: NV Energy reported that about 100 power poles were damaged along Highway 395 and Peavine Peak. Approximately 4,500 electric customers remain without power, and 250 gas customers remain depressurized due to damaged structures and safety concerns.
Water Safety: No specific water safety or contamination concerns have been reported, but residents returning home should monitor local utility advisories.
Burn Bans: Due to the extreme fire danger and the human-caused nature of recent fires, local authorities are strictly enforcing fire restrictions and urge the public to adhere to all seasonal burn bans.
Air Quality and Drones: Smoke from the fire poses health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to stay indoors when smoke is heavy. Additionally, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office has strongly urged residents to avoid hiking in the area and to ground all drones, as unauthorized drones interfere with critical aerial firefighting operations.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters anticipate further containment over the next 72 hours as crews continue to mop up and secure the perimeter, particularly on the north and east sides. While the southwest corner is currently contributing most to containment, officials stress that the fire threat is not entirely over. Unburned pockets of fuel remain a concern.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Shifting and strengthening winds have made the fire highly unpredictable. While the initial Red Flag conditions have moderated slightly, there remains a potential for extreme heat and shifting winds to push flames into unburned, densely populated neighborhoods on the edge of Reno.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact ignition source is currently under investigation, but officials have confirmed that the Hawk Fire is human-caused.
Weather and Climate: The fire was heavily fueled by extreme fire weather conditions. A Red Flag Warning was in effect during ignition, featuring southwest winds blowing 15–25 mph (with gusts up to 40 mph) and humidity levels dropping as low as 18%. The region is experiencing extremely dry conditions, characteristic of the broader rash of wildfires sparked across the American West this summer due to extreme heat and sere vegetation.

For more information, visit:

• Emergency Washoe
• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District
• Perimeter Map - Washoe County Evacuations