USA

Fast-Spreading Wildfire Nears Reno, Forcing Tens of Thousands to Evacuate

24 August 2026 22:08 PM

NEWS DESK

A rapidly spreading wildfire in the western US state of Nevada moved toward the city of Reno on Sunday, prompting authorities to order residents to evacuate to safer areas.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said about 42,000 people had already left their homes, while another 45,000 residents were urged to be prepared for possible evacuation.

The “Hawk Fire” spread across nearly 15,040 acres (6,087 hectares) within a day of igniting. By Sunday afternoon, the fire was burning about five miles (eight kilometers) northwest of Reno. More than 280,000 people live in the Reno metropolitan area, according to 2025 census data.

Local media reported that several homes on mountain ridges had already been destroyed by the blaze. Six people were injured, including three emergency responders.

The US government’s wildfire monitoring website InciWeb described the situation as “very serious.”

Photos posted by local fire services on social media platform X showed flames rising from mountain ridges around Reno, with thick clouds of smoke spreading across the sky.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the fast-moving wildfire threatened the Reno area.

“The Hawk Fire is rapidly spreading and threatening homes and other structures,” Lombardo said in the emergency declaration.

Reno is located in northwestern Nevada near the California border and close to Lake Tahoe, a popular tourist destination in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Local fire chief Richard Edwards urged residents to be ready to move to safety as soon as evacuation orders were issued—or earlier if possible.

“The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic situation for us. The wind is causing the fire to spread rapidly,” Edwards warned. “A fire moving at the speed of the wind can reach residential areas very quickly.”

Hawk Fire Reno