WorldDraft
Hawk Fire forces mass evacuations as blaze nears Reno
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County after a human-caused wildfire burned 10,500 acres and remained entirely uncontained.
Event
Hawk Fire forces evacuations in Nevada
The Hawk Fire, a human-caused wildfire first reported on Saturday, has burned approximately 10,500 acres and remains 0% contained as it approaches the outskirts of Reno, Nevada. Around 42,000 people have been ordered to evacuate immediately, with a further 45,000 urged to prepare to leave. Six people have been injured, including three emergency responders. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and deployed the National Guard, while schools and roads in the area have been closed.
2 published stories · security · source reliability 67%
Background
Why this event matters
The Hawk Fire is a human-caused wildfire currently threatening the outskirts of Reno, Nevada. First reported on Saturday, the blaze has consumed approximately 10,500 acres and remains 0% contained. The fire has prompted the evacuation of nearly 90,000 residents, with 42,000 under immediate orders to leave and 45,000 advised to prepare. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, deploying the National Guard to assist with firefighting and law enforcement.
event-brief
Hawk Fire forces evacuations in Nevada
The Hawk Fire is a human-caused wildfire currently threatening the outskirts of Reno, Nevada. First reported on Saturday, the blaze has consumed approximately 10,500 acres and remains 0% contained. The fire has prompted the evacuation of nearly 90,000 residents, with 42,000 under
Reporting trail
BBC World | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gqlp0yzyjo | published 2026-08-24T08:34:26.000Z | primary sourceAl Jazeera Global News | https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/23/thousands-displaced-as-wildfire-threatens-homes-in-us-state-of-nevada | published 2026-08-23T17:55:52.000Z | primary source
Fact cards
entity brief
Hawk Fire forces evacuations in Nevada: key people and institutions
Key entities: Reno, Nevada, Joe Lombardo, Washoe County, Hawk Fire.
faq brief
Hawk Fire forces evacuations in Nevada: key questions
How large is the Hawk Fire? The fire has burned approximately 10,500 acres and is currently 0% contained. How many people have been affected? Around 42,000 people have been ordered to evacuate immediately, and a further 45,000 have been urged to prepare to leave. What is the caus
source brief
Hawk Fire forces evacuations in Nevada: reporting sources
BBC World | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gqlp0yzyjo | published 2026-08-24T08:34:26.000Z | primary source | Al Jazeera Global News | https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/23/thousands-displaced-as-wildfire-threatens-homes-in-us-state-of-nevada | published 2026-08-23T17:5
timeline brief
Hawk Fire forces evacuations in Nevada: timeline
2026-08-22: Fire first reported at 11:15 local time; identified as human-caused. 2026-08-23: Governor Joe Lombardo declares state of emergency in Washoe County; National Guard deployed. 2026-08-24: Fire reaches outskirts of Reno; 42,000 immediate evacuation orders issued; 45,000
Timeline
2026-08-22
Fire first reported at 11:15 local time; identified as human-caused.
2026-08-23
Governor Joe Lombardo declares state of emergency in Washoe County; National Guard deployed.
2026-08-24
Fire reaches outskirts of Reno; 42,000 immediate evacuation orders issued; 45,000 urged to prepare; six injuries reported.
FAQ
How large is the Hawk Fire?
The fire has burned approximately 10,500 acres and is currently 0% contained.
How many people have been affected?
Around 42,000 people have been ordered to evacuate immediately, and a further 45,000 have been urged to prepare to leave.
What is the cause of the fire?
The fire is described as human-caused, though the specific ignition source has not been detailed.
What support has been deployed?
The Nevada National Guard has deployed 72 personnel, one Chinook, and one Black Hawk helicopter.
How many homes have been evacuated?
Nearly 14,000 homes and businesses.
What is the current size of the fire?
Over 4,450 hectares (10,500 acres).
Which agencies are responding to the fire?
Approximately 400 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies, including the Nevada National Guard.
Where are evacuees being housed?
The Reno-Sparks Convention Center and local casinos offering discounted hotel rooms.
Is the University of Nevada, Reno affected?
Yes, the "GO NOW" evacuation zone has reached the edge of the campus.