**Tens of Thousands Evacuated as Hawk Wildfire Approaches Reno, Nevada**
Reno, Nevada - A rapidly spreading wildfire known as the Hawk Fire has prompted the evacuation of approximately 42,000 residents in the Reno metropolitan area, with an additional 45,000 individuals advised to prepare for potential evacuation. The fire, which began on Saturday, August 22, 2026, has already consumed over 6,091 hectares of land and is exhibiting "extreme fire behaviour," according to InciWeb, a US government platform that monitors fire activity.
As of Sunday evening, the Hawk Fire was burning just 8 kilometers northwest of Reno, a city with a population exceeding 280,000. Local authorities have taken proactive measures in response to the fire's threat, including the closure of nearly all schools in Washoe County for Monday. Only one school will remain open, as officials prioritize safety amid the ongoing emergency.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve confirmed the scale of the evacuation efforts during an interview with CNN, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "If you have been told to evacuate, please don't wait!" she urged residents. The fire has already resulted in injuries to at least six individuals, including three first responders, and has led to the destruction of several mountaintop homes.
Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency for Washoe County, citing the fire's rapid spread and its threat to residential areas. "The Hawk Fire is spreading quickly and threatening homes and structures," the governor's order stated. Local fire chief Richard Edwards echoed this sentiment, noting that the fire's behaviour is being driven by strong winds, which complicates firefighting efforts and increases the risk to nearby communities.
In response to the crisis, approximately 800 personnel, including firefighting crews from Australia and New Zealand, have been deployed to assist local teams in combating the blaze. The collaborative effort aims to control the fire's progression and protect the lives and properties of residents in the affected areas.
Authorities have confirmed that the Hawk Fire is "human-caused," although the specific circumstances surrounding its ignition remain undisclosed. As smoke billows across the landscape, visible from various vantage points in Reno, the community is on high alert.
Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and guidance to residents as conditions evolve. The community's resilience and preparedness are being tested as they face the challenges posed by this wildfire, which has become a significant incident in the region.
As the situation unfolds, local officials are urging residents to stay informed and heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety. The Hawk Fire serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the western United States, exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather conditions.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and mitigating the impact of the fire as firefighting efforts continue in earnest.