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Local authorities reported that the Hawk fire, first detected at 11:15 a.m. local time on August 22, had expanded to 10,522 acres while remaining zero percent contained as of the latest assessment from the unified command. The human-caused blaze prompted mandatory “GO NOW” evacuation orders for approximately 42,000 residents in neighborhoods including St. James Village, Galena and areas south of Mount Rose Highway, with the danger zone reaching the edge of the University of Nevada campus. An additional 45,000 people fell under evacuation warnings as shifting winds drove the fire toward Reno, where it has destroyed homes in the northwest part of the city. Officials have stressed that residents should prepare to stay away for several days given the unpredictable conditions.
Six people have been injured during the incident, including three emergency responders, according to updates from local emergency services. In response, Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency across Washoe County and ordered the Nevada National Guard to assist, deploying 72 personnel plus one Chinook and one Black Hawk helicopter for firefighting and to help secure evacuated areas. “This is an active and rapidly evolving situation and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials,” Lombardo stated. The coordinated effort falls under a unified command that includes the United States Forest Service, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and Reno Fire Department.
Nearly 13,700 homes sit inside the evacuation zones, prompting the setup of two shelters including one at the Evelyn Mount Community Center on Valley Road in Reno to house displaced residents. All but one school in Washoe County received orders to close on Monday while mass road closures were enacted to manage the outflow of traffic. The Washoe County sheriff underscored the immediacy of the situation, saying “Please get out if you can right now.” These actions come as the fire continues to advance on the city of roughly 280,000 people in western Nevada near the California state line.
The Emergency Washoe Regional Information Center has issued daily updates on the fire’s progression since its start date of August 22, confirming the latest acreage burned and the absence of any containment lines. National Guard troops are supporting both aerial suppression and law enforcement patrols in neighborhoods that have already been cleared. Preparations for the large-scale evacuation have drawn on regional resources, with shelters stocked to accommodate those who have left their homes under the orders.
The University of Nevada, Reno Extension has circulated its wildfire evacuation checklist urging residents to assemble go bags containing critical documents, medications, credit cards and other essentials before departing. This guidance has been referenced in public messaging as thousands comply with the orders issued over the weekend. Further details on road status, shelter availability and fire perimeters remain available through official county channels as the response continues.
