DEVELOPING — Updated Aug. 23, 2026 at 1:38 p.m. CT: The fast-moving Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, has grown to approximately 13,000 acres and remains 0% contained, authorities said Sunday.
Officials said 42,000 residents were under evacuation orders, with the “GO NOW” zone reaching the edge of the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Another 45,000 people were in evacuation-warning areas and were encouraged to leave early and prepare to remain away for several days.
Six people have been injured
The injured include three civilians and three first responders, according to an afternoon briefing reported by the Associated Press. Several structures have been destroyed, though officials were still working to determine the full number.
The fire has been identified as human-caused, but authorities have not released a more specific cause. Strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation have driven its rapid growth across rugged land in and around Peavine Mountain.
Changing winds were pushing the fire in different directions Sunday, making suppression efforts more difficult. Nearly 400 personnel from local, state and federal agencies were working the incident, according to local reporting.
The National Guard has been mobilized
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County. The Nevada National Guard was mobilized with two helicopter crews for aerial firefighting and 60 troops to help law enforcement protect evacuated neighborhoods.
Nearly 10,000 power customers in Washoe County were without service Sunday. Portions of U.S. Route 395 were closed, and Reno-Stead Airport was closed to general aviation while remaining available to firefighting aircraft. Commercial operations at Reno-Tahoe International Airport were not affected at the time of the update.
Evacuation information is changing quickly
The Reno-Sparks Convention Center was opened as an evacuation shelter for people. Washoe County directed residents with small and large animals to separate shelter locations.
Because fire boundaries and evacuation zones can change faster than a news story can be refreshed, residents should use Washoe County's emergency information site and official local alerts for current instructions. Officials have asked people not to call 911 for evacuation information so dispatch lines remain available for emergencies.
This is an active emergency. Daily Junk Food will update this story only when authorities release materially new, verified information.
Sources: Associated Press, updated Aug. 23, 2026 at 1:38 p.m. CT; 2 News Nevada live local coverage; Washoe County emergency information.
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