Out-of-Control Hawk Fire Threatens Reno as 90,000 Evacuate

PUBLISHED Aug 24, 2026, 3:30 AM ET

A fast-moving wildfire known as the Hawk Fire ignited on Saturday morning near Peavine Peak in northwest Reno, Nevada, threatening local neighborhoods and forcing approximately 90,000 residents to evacuate. Fueled by dry vegetation, low relative humidity, and high winds, the uncontained blaze rapidly expanded across 13,000 to 15,000 acres. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a State of Emergency, mobilizing the National Guard to support roughly 800 firefighters battling the flames. Evacuation orders expanded toward the University of Nevada, Reno campus as erratic winds drove fire fronts forward. The disaster caused widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of customers, resulted in at least six reported injuries, and disrupted regional transportation networks, including closures on U.S. Route 395 and operations at Reno-Stead Airport. Emergency shelters opened at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center while local authorities continued monitoring high-density urban infrastructure as firefighting efforts remained ongoing.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 31
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 7
Neutral:: 23

Explain Framing

Left: Highlighted climate change impacts and community displacement vulnerabilities. Center: Focused on emergency response statistics, evacuations, and official statements. Right: Emphasized emergency management deployment and local economic disruptions.