Crews race to contain damaging Nevada Hawk Fire as dangerous fire weather conditions linger over area
Evacuation orders have since been scaled back following critical gains made on Tuesday, bringing containment to 85%. However, crews remain on high alert as dangerous fire conditions are expected to return through Thursday.
Evacuation orders ease as containment of Hawk Fire soars to 85%
Evacuation orders have scaled back as containment on the Hawk Fire jumps to 85%. While Tuesday’s weather conditions helped, dangerous fire conditions are set to return through Thursday. Latest:
THE TAKEAWAY
- Some evacuation orders have been lifted as containment reaches 85%.
- At least 7 people have been injured as the Hawk Fire rapidly spreads.
- The Hawk Fire has now burned over 15,000 acres, causing nearly 90,000 residents to evacuate.
RENO, Nev. — The Hawk Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres near Reno, forcing widespread evacuations and a state of emergency, with tens of thousands of residents being asked or ordered to leave their homes.
Evacuation orders have since been scaled back following critical gains made on Tuesday, bringing containment to 85%.
That breakthrough brings significant relief compared to Monday, when approximately 23,000 people were under mandatory "go now" evacuation orders and another 40,000 residents were under "get set" warnings.
Still, crews remain on high alert as dangerous fire conditions are expected to return through Thursday.
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Officials announced Sunday that the fire was human-caused. Seven injuries have been reported, four civilians and three firefighters, with no deaths reported.
![RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Firefighters pack their truck after responding to a burned building during the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada.]()
Image 1 of 4RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Firefighters pack their truck after responding to a burned building during the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada. ((Photo by Trevor Bexon/Getty Images))
![RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: A firefighting equipped helicopter flies over the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada.]()
Image 2 of 4RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: A firefighting equipped helicopter flies over the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada. ((Photo by Trevor Bexon/Getty Images))
![RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Firefighters spray water on a burned structure during the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada.]()
Image 3 of 4RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Firefighters spray water on a burned structure during the Hawk Fire on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada. ((Photo by Trevor Bexon/Getty Images))
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Image 4 of 4RENO, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Local residents look over a fence at the Hawk Fire burning on August 23, 2026 in Reno, Nevada. ( (Photo by Trevor Bexon/Getty Images))
Officials said 47 homes and one commercial building were destroyed, while eight other homes sustained serious damage.
Authorities will continue to survey the burn zones to determine the full extent of the structural losses.
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Utility crews have restored power to thousands of residents after fire damage caused widespread electricity outages across the region.
The fire ignited Saturday off the Hawk Meadow Trail near Somersett and has been fueled by strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.
(FOX Weather)
While the winds are expected to ease, gusts between 20 and 30 mph could still hamper firefighters.
"The primary challenge remains the volatile, shifting winds, which continue to push the fire in multiple directions across rugged mountain terrain and directly toward dense residential areas," the FOX Forecast Center said.
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Firefighters work to contain the Hawk Fire in Nevada on Aug. 23, 2026.
(North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District / FOX Weather)
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Officials have scaled back the workforce from its peak of 900 personnel, but state and federal crews continue working around the clock on the 85% contained fire.
On Saturday, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents to leave immediately.
"If you are told to evacuate, please don't wait," Schieve said. "Structures have already been burned in this fire, and your life is more important than the building."
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Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the blaze threatens communities.
To support the response efforts, the Nevada National Guard was also mobilized, including two helicopter crews and 72 security personnel.
The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada has also opened an evacuation shelter for residents.
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Hawk Fire seen during daylight on Aug. 23, 2026.
(Sierra County Sheriff's Office / FOX Weather)
Washoe County School District announced that 13 schools in areas impacted by the fire will remain closed Wednesday because of prolonged power outages, evacuation zones and staffing and transportation challenges.
Additionally, the Reno-Stead Airport is closed to general aviation, though it remains open to firefighting and military aircraft. Operations at Reno-Tahoe International Airport are unaffected.
The Hawk Fire burns near Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026.
(Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District / FOX Weather)
Officials are asking people to stay out of evacuation areas until orders are lifted and it is safe to return.
Stick with FOX Weather for updates on this developing story.