Hawk

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Hawk Fire ignited on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at approximately 11:25 a.m. near the Somersett Golf and Country Club, off the Hawk Meadow Trail about 1 mile north of Cold Creek Trail in Washoe County, Nevada (near Peavine Peak).
Size and Containment: As of August 23, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 10,523 acres and remains at 0% containment.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has exhibited rapid, dynamic growth driven by strong, gusty winds. Burning through dry vegetation typical of the region's late-summer fire season, the flames have been pushed northeast directly toward residential areas, making early containment highly difficult.
Containment Efforts: The incident is operating under a unified command between the U.S. Forest Service and Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue. Local, state, and federal fire crews are actively engaged in structure protection and perimeter control, utilizing multiple airtankers and helicopters. Significant mutual aid has been requested and deployed from regional agencies, including CAL FIRE, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, and the Carson City Fire Department.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders ("Go Now"): Mandatory evacuation orders are currently in effect north and northwest of Somersett, north of Verdi, and on the west side of U.S. 395 for Golden Valley, Lemmon Valley, and Stead.
Evacuation Warnings ("Get Set"): Evacuation warnings have been issued for portions of Stead, Golden Valley, Cold Springs, and Long Valley South of HWY 70 across the border in Sierra County, California (Zones SIE-E024 and SIE-E061).
Evacuation Shelters and Information: An evacuation center has been established at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, located at 1301 Valley Road in Reno. Additionally, several local hotels/resorts are offering discounted emergency rates for displaced residents.
Estimated Impact: The fire and subsequent evacuations are impacting thousands of residents, with approximately 1,000 homes currently threatened by the advancing flames.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• U.S. 395 is closed in both directions between Parr Boulevard and Red Rock Road.
• North Virginia Street is closed between Red Rock Road and White Lake Parkway.
• Residents and commuters are strongly urged to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel and heavy apparatus room to work safely.

For more information, visit:

• Washoe County Perimeter Map (Official Evacuation Zones)
• Nevada Department of Transportation (NVRoads)
• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Updates

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: At this time, there are no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Hawk Fire.
Structures Impacted: Approximately 1,000 homes are currently threatened. Because the fire is actively burning and conditions remain hazardous, official damage assessments have not yet been completed, and there are no confirmed reports of destroyed structures at this time.
School and Business Closures: While specific school closures have not been widely announced over the weekend, residents should closely monitor local Washoe County school district updates as the workweek approaches.
Notable Impacts: The rapid spread of the fire has triggered widespread emergency power shutoffs to protect grid infrastructure and prevent further ignitions.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: Emergency power line de-energizations by NV Energy have cut electricity to over 59,000 customers in Washoe County and more than 5,000 in North Lake Tahoe. Additionally, around 37,000 customers served by utilities across the border in California have been affected by the shutoffs.
Air Quality: A massive plume of smoke is visible throughout the region, significantly impacting local air quality. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and run air purifiers if available.
Burn Bans and Restrictions: Standard regional fire restrictions remain strictly in place due to the extreme fire danger across Northern Nevada.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With 0% containment, the Hawk Fire remains a highly dynamic and dangerous incident. Firefighters are facing severe difficulties in establishing containment lines due to the gusty conditions pushing the fire toward residential structures. Crews will continue aggressive air and ground attacks to protect homes, but containment is expected to remain challenging until wind conditions improve.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the region. Strong, gusty winds are expected to persist, creating hazardous conditions for firefighters and increasing the risk of rapid fire spread and short-range spotting ahead of the main fire front.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Hawk Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The rapid expansion of the Hawk Fire is heavily driven by extreme fire weather conditions. The region is experiencing a dangerous combination of low humidity, critically dry fuels, and strong winds, which are characteristic of the height of the Great Basin fire season. These conditions, exacerbated by broader climate trends of prolonged dry spells and extreme heat, have created a highly volatile environment that allows wildfires to ignite easily and spread with extreme intensity.

For more information, visit:

• Washoe County Emergency Management
• Nevada Fire Info
• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District