Reno Nevada Fire Emergency: Hawk Fire Evacuations, Map and Latest Update

Updated: August 28, 2026

Table of Contents

• Current Reno Fire Situation
• What Happened During the Hawk Fire
• Reno Nevada Wildfire Evacuations
• Reno Wildfire Map and Evacuation Zones
• How Shifting Winds Affected the Fire
• Hospital and Medical Facility Impacts
• Road Closures and Transportation
• Homes, Injuries and Damage
• Firefighting Response
• Evacuation Shelters and Animal Resources
• What Residents Should Do
• Hawk Fire Timeline
• Emergency Evacuation Checklist
• Technical Glossary
• Author Profile
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sources and Official Resources

Current Reno Fire Situation

The Reno, NV fire emergency is centred on the Hawk Fire, which began near Reno on August 22, 2026.

The fire initially moved so quickly that authorities ordered large numbers of residents to leave. The blaze spread through dry vegetation near northwest Reno and the Peavine area. Strong winds made the fire difficult to predict and complicated access for firefighting crews. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The situation improved during the following days.

According to KUNR's August 27 update, the Hawk Fire had burned more than 15,085 acres and reached 93% containment. About 5,000 people still remained within evacuation zones at that point. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

That means the current situation is different from the emergency reported on August 22 and 23. Early reports described a rapidly expanding fire with tens of thousands of people ordered to leave. Later reports documented reduced evacuation areas and increased containment.

Residents should not use the initial evacuation numbers as a current count.

Emergency Washoe says its information is approved for public release and provides updates from local officials and first responders. Its August 26 update said future briefings would be scheduled as needed. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

What Happened During the Hawk Fire

The Hawk Fire started near Hawk Meadow Trail at about 11:15 a.m. PDT on August 22, according to Reuters. The fire expanded quickly under hot, dry and windy conditions. Officials said the fire was human-caused, while the investigation into the exact circumstances continued. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Fire behaviour changed quickly during the first two days.

Crews faced strong gusts, low humidity and dry brush. The fire crossed major roads and reached residential areas in northwest Reno. Firefighters also reported difficulty reaching some hot spots due to the terrain and fire behaviour. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

The early fire growth forced authorities to issue evacuation orders and warnings across a large section of the Reno area.

At one stage, officials estimated that about 42,000 residents had already evacuated while another 45,000 were in a preparation zone. Later reports placed the total number affected by evacuation orders and warnings near 90,000. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

The numbers changed as authorities adjusted evacuation boundaries.

Reno, Nevada Wildfire Evacuations

The Reno, Nevada wildfire evacuations were divided into different levels as fire conditions changed.

During the initial emergency, some neighbourhoods received immediate evacuation orders. Other areas were placed on preparation status so residents could leave before conditions became dangerous.

Officials used evacuation levels to help residents understand how quickly they needed to act.

These categories can change as fire behaviour changes. A neighbourhood that moves from an evacuation warning to an evacuation order can return to a higher evacuation level if wind or fire conditions worsen.

Emergency Washoe specifically directs residents to use current evacuation-zone information instead of calling 911 to ask about evacuation status. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Reno Wildfire Map and Evacuation Zones

The Reno wildfire map is more useful when it comes from an official or directly maintained emergency source.

PerimeterMap provides current evacuation zones and fire perimeter information for the Reno area. Nevada's Office of Emergency Management also directs residents to Emergency Washoe, Watch Duty and wildfire perimeter resources for current information. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Do not rely on an old map copied onto social media. A map from August 22 may display evacuation boundaries that were changed several days later.

The official Emergency Washoe page also provides links to road conditions and other emergency resources. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

For residents near an active evacuation area, checking the map before leaving is useful. Still, an official evacuation order should not be delayed while someone tries to find the perfect route.

Where to Check the Reno Wildfire Map

• Emergency Washoe
• PerimeterMap
• Watch Duty
• Nevada Office of Emergency Management
• Washoe County emergency notifications

Official emergency information can be accessed through the Emergency Washoe regional information centre. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

How Shifting Winds Affected the Fire

Wind was one of the biggest operational challenges during the early stages of the Hawk Fire.

The fire grew under strong gusts, low humidity and dry vegetation. AccuWeather reported gusts reaching about 40 mph during the early response. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Wind affects a wildfire in several ways.

• It pushes flames toward new fuel.
• It dries vegetation.
• It carries embers ahead of the main fire.
• It can change the direction of fire spread.
• It can make aircraft operations more difficult.
• It can make a previously safe road unsafe.

That is why the Reno wind-driven fire became an important search topic during the emergency.

A wind shift does not simply mean that the fire moves faster. It can change which neighbourhoods face the greatest risk.

Fire officials therefore reassessed evacuation zones as weather and fire behaviour changed.

Hospital and Medical Facility Impacts

The Hawk Fire affected medical facilities in the evacuation area.

On August 22, the ER at North Valleys, an extension of Northern Nevada Medical Centre, was temporarily closed due to a mandatory fire evacuation. Patients and staff were evacuated, and hospital officials said patients had safe transport plans in place. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Several Renown Health locations also closed during the initial evacuation.

Those locations included facilities at Robb Drive and North Hills, as well as certain outpatient services. Patients with scheduled appointments were notified and either rescheduled or moved to other locations. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Renown later reopened its northwest Reno and University locations, while some North Hills services remained affected according to local reporting. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Renown's current website continues to display emergency-related closure notices for some locations, so patients should verify the status of a specific facility before travelling there. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Renown Regional Central Centre remains a 24/7 emergency facility and is the region's Level I trauma centre. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

If someone has a life-threatening emergency during an evacuation, call 911 rather than attempting to determine which hospital is open.

Road Closures and Transportation

Road access changed repeatedly during the first stage of the fire.

US 395 was among the most important routes affected by the emergency. At one point, northbound traffic was closed from Parr Boulevard while evacuation traffic was directed south toward Reno. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Later, US 395 reopened in both directions as evacuation areas were reduced. North Virginia Street still had restrictions in parts of the North Valleys during the reopening process. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Road status can change faster than online articles can be updated.

Residents should check Nevada 511 and official Washoe County information before driving through an affected area.

Homes, Injuries and Damage

The Hawk Fire destroyed homes in northwest Reno.

Fire officials said that 47 residential homes and one commercial building were destroyed as of the August 25 briefing. Damage assessments continued after the initial fire passed through neighbourhoods. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Earlier reports documented at least six injuries. Later local reporting placed the number at seven. These figures changed as authorities assessed injuries and damage. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

The fire also caused widespread disruption to electricity service. Early reporting said outages affected tens of thousands of customers. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Residents returning to an evacuated neighbourhood should not assume that visible flames are the only danger.

Burned structures can become unstable. Hot spots can remain underground or inside damaged buildings. Utility lines can also create hazards.

Firefighting Response

Local, state and federal agencies responded to the Hawk Fire.

Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and deployed Nevada National Guard resources. More than 800 firefighters and other personnel were involved during the most intense stage of the response. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Fire crews used ground equipment, aircraft and fuel breaks to protect populated areas.

International firefighters from Australia and New Zealand also joined the response, according to reporting published during the early containment effort. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Containment improved substantially during the week.

By August 27, the fire had reached 93% containment. That does not mean every neighbourhood was immediately safe to enter. Containment measures describe the portion of the fire perimeter where crews have stopped or slowed the spread of the fire. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Evacuation Shelters and Animal Resources

During the emergency, the Reno-Sparks CoCentre served as an evacuation centre.

Emergency Washoe identified Hall 4 at 4590 S. Virginia Street as an evacuation centre. Access was through Door 20F on the Kietzke side. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

Pet arrangements were separate from the main evacuation shelter.

Small animals were directed to Washoe County Regional Animal Services at 2825 Longley Lane. Large animals were directed to Ironwood Centre at 5600 Whiskey Springs Road. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

Evacuees should check current shelter availability because shelter operations can change as evacuation orders are lifted.

What Residents Should Do During a Reno Fire Emergency

If officials issue an evacuation order, leave when instructed.

Do not wait until smoke or flames are visible from your home.

Prepare medications, identification, important documents, water, chargers, pets and essential clothing before leaving.

Keep your vehicle fueled.

If you have children, elderly family members or anyone who needs medical equipment, leave early when authorities issue a preparation warning.

Do not fly a drone near an active wildfire. Drones can interfere with firefighting aircraft and emergency operations.

Do not drive through closed roads.

Do not return to an evacuation zone until authorities authorise the return.

Emergency information should come from Washoe County, Reno officials, Nevada emergency management and the incident command team.

Hawk Fire Timeline

The timeline demonstrates why readers should check the latest emergency map rather than relying on the initial reports. The scale of the evacuation changed considerably as crews gained control of the fire. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}

Emergency Evacuation Checklist

1. Check the current evacuation zone.
2. Follow any official evacuation order immediately.
3. Pack prescription medicines.
4. Take identification and important documents.
5. Charge phones and battery packs.
6. Move pets into carriers before leaving.
7. Take food and water for several hours.
8. Close windows and doors if officials advise doing so.
9. Turn off appliances if there is enough time to do so.
10. Use official evacuation routes.
11. Do not drive around closed roads to find another route.
12. Do not return until officials lift the order.
13. Check the status of your destination.

Technical Glossary

WUI

Wildland-Urban Interface. An area where developed communities meet or sit close to wild vegetation.

GIS

Geographic Information System. Computer-based mapping technology used to display locations, boundaries and geographic data.

PIO

Public Information Officer. An official who communicates verified information from an emergency response organisation.

ICS

Incident Command: Standardised structure used to coordinate personnel and resources during emergencies.

NOAA

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A U.S. federal agency that provides weather, climate and environmental information used during emergency planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the current Reno NV fire?

The main fire affecting the Reno area is the Hawk Fire, which began on August 22, 2026, near northwest Reno. It burned more than 15,085 acres. By August 27, officials reported 93% containment. About 5,000 people still remained in evacuation zones at that time. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

2. Are people still being evacuated in Reno?

Yes. Although the evacuation footprint had been reduced substantially by August 27, KUNR reported that at least 5,000 people remained in evacuation zones. Evacuation boundaries can change, so residents should check the current Perimeter Map and Emergency Washoe before deciding whether they can return home. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}

3. Where can I find the Reno wildfire map?

The official evacuation information is available through PerimeterMap and Emergency Washoe. Nevada's Office of Emergency Management also provides links to wildfire maps, Watch Duty and Nevada road information. Avoid photos from social media because evacuation boundaries can change quickly. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

4. Why did the Hawk Fire spread so quickly?

The fire encountered strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation. These conditions allowed flames and embers to move quickly through available fuel. Shifting winds also made the direction of spread less predictable, complicating firefighting operations. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

5. Were Reno hospitals evacuated?

Some medical facilities were affected. The ER at North Valleys was temporarily closed, and patients and staff were evacuated after a mandatory fire evacuation on August 22. Several Renown outpatient locations also closed because they were located inside evacuation areas. This was not the same as a complete evacuation of Reno's hospital system. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}

6. Reno Regional Medical Centre operates as a 24/7 emergency facility and is the region's Level I centre; however, patients should verify the status of individual outpatient or urgent-care locations because wildfire-related closures can affect specific facilities. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}

7. Where can Reno wildfire evacuees go for shelter?

During the Hawk Fire emergency, the Reno-Sparks CoCentreon Centre Hall 4 at 4590 S. Virginia Street served as an evacuation centre. Animal evacuation locations were separate. Small animals were directed to Washoe County Regional Animal Services, while large animals were directed to Ironwood Centre. Current shelter operations should be verified before travel. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}

8. Is US 395 open near Reno?

US 395 was closed in parts of the evacuation area during the initial response. Later, both northbound and southbound traffic reopened as conditions improved. Road status can change; travellers should check Nevada 511 or official emergency updates before driving through an affected area. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}

9. How many homes did the Hawk Fire destroy?

Fire officials said 47 residential homes and one commercial building were destroyed on August 25. Damage assessment continued after that briefing, so the final number may be different. :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}

10. Is the Reno wildfire fully contained?

No. The Hawk Fire reached 93% containment by August 27. Containment does not mean the fire is completely extinguished. Remaining fire activity, hot spots and unsafe areas can continue after the main perimeter has been controlled. Residents should follow official return instructions rather than using the containment percentage as a signal that an area is safe. :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}

Sources and Official Resources

• Emergency Washoe
• Nevada Office of Emergency Management Wildfire Information
• City of Reno Fire Department
• Renown Regional Centre
• KUNR Hawk Fire Coverage
• Reuters Hawk Fire Report
• Associated Press Hawk Fire Report

Information date: August 28, 20of the of the 26. Some operational information in this article reflects the latest publicly available data as of August. Verify current conditions through local emergency authorities before acting.