Nearly 90,000 told to evacuate as wildfire approaches Reno, Nevada

August 24, 2026

A rapidly spreading wildfire near Reno, Nevada has forced approximately 42,000 residents to evacuate immediately, with another 45,000 warned to prepare for potential evacuation. The human-caused blaze, known as the Hawk Fire, began Saturday morning and has already consumed roughly 15,000 acres while injuring six people, including three emergency responders. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and deployed the National Guard to assist with firefighting operations.

Who is affected

Approximately 42,000 residents under immediate evacuation orders
An additional 45,000 residents warned to prepare for evacuation
Residents of approximately 13,700 homes within the evacuation zone
Six injured individuals, including three emergency responders
Students and staff at Washoe County schools (closing Monday, except one)
University of Nevada, Reno community
Governor Joe Lombardo and Nevada state officials
Washoe County residents and officials
Firefighters and National Guard personnel (72 personnel deployed with helicopters)

What action is being taken

Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County
The National Guard has been ordered to join firefighting and law enforcement efforts (72 personnel, one Chinook and one Black Hawk helicopter deployed)
Large air tankers and helicopters are flying over the affected area dropping water and fire retardants
Two shelters have been set up for displaced residents
Mass road closures are in place
The University of Nevada in Reno is monitoring the situation

Why it matters

This wildfire represents a significant threat to a major population center, with Reno having approximately 280,000 residents. The incident demonstrates the increasing severity of wildfires in southwestern US states, which scientists attribute to human-induced climate change creating warmer, drier conditions. While wildfires are common in the region, this fire is notable because it is encroaching on urban population centers rather than remaining in rural areas. The rapid spread and inability to contain any portion of the fire's perimeter, combined with the large number of evacuations, makes this a major emergency situation affecting a substantial urban community.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC