The Hawk fire in Reno, Nevada, has exploded to more than 13,000 acres (5,200 hectares), forcing nearly 42,000 residents to evacuate as flames push from the Sierra foothills toward the city center and reach the edge of the University of Nevada campus.
Evacuation Orders and Immediate Threat
The Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue in Reno reported that the “GO NOW” evacuation zone had expanded to the edge of the university campus. Strong, gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation are fueling the blaze, which began in the Sierra foothills and is moving rapidly toward urban areas.
An additional 45,000 people are under an evacuation warning and are being encouraged to leave immediately and prepare to stay away for several days. This is to keep roads clear for first responders. Mayor Hillary Schieve issued a stark warning on social media on Saturday night: “If you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait! Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building. Evacuating before the fire arrives also allows our firefighters to focus their efforts on battling the blaze.”
Injuries, Damage, and Emergency Response
Authorities have confirmed that three civilians and three first responders have been injured, and several structures have been destroyed. Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard. Two helicopter crews have been deployed to support aerial firefighting, and 60 troops are assisting police in safeguarding evacuated neighborhoods.
The fire is proving difficult to contain due to winds whipping flames in different directions. The Truckee Meadows statement noted, “Approximately 400 personnel are currently working on the incident, with resources coming together from local, state and federal agencies, including ground crews and air resources.”
Impact on Infrastructure and Community
The rapidly expanding fire is surrounded by neighborhoods, and nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County are without power. Portions of US Route 395, a major north-south highway, are closed, and at least 20 road closures are in effect as of Sunday afternoon. Reno has a population of more than 280,000 residents.
Washoe County emergency officials have opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center to evacuees, though pets cannot be brought there. Small and large animals are being directed to two other locations. Casinos in Reno are offering discounted hotel rooms to evacuees.
University and Airport Status
The University of Nevada’s Reno campus remains just outside the evacuation zone as of Sunday morning. The university, with an enrollment of about 24,000 students in fall 2025, has established an emergency response plan should conditions change. The first day of classes is August 24, and new students were allowed to move in as early as August 13.
The Reno-Tahoe International Airport remains outside the evacuation zone, and commercial flights are unaffected. The smaller Reno-Stead airport is closed to general aviation traffic but remains open for firefighting aircraft. Authorities are also monitoring a county detention facility located several blocks from the outer edge of the evacuation warning area. Sheriff Darin Balaam stated, “We have those inmates in mind and we are making sure that we have plans in place in case we may have to evacuate the facility.”
The Hawk fire comes just weeks after three wildfires fueled by dry and windy conditions north of Reno forced more than 13,000 residents from their homes earlier this month, according to the Nevada National Guard.
