08/24/2026
HAWK FIRE UPDATE | August 24, 2026
Acres: 15,051
Containment: 0%
Start Date: August 22, 2026
Cause: Human
Location: Northwest of Reno, Nevada
Total Personnel: 720
Fuels: Tall grass, brush and timber
Resources: 14 crews | 95 engines | 10 helicopters | 9 dozers
FIRE UPDATE
Firefighters made progress holding the Hawk Fire despite the extreme fire behavior observed during the incident. Crews are working to keep the fire east of Dog Valley Road and south of U.S. Highway 395.
On portions of the fire, crews are using handline and direct attack where conditions allow. Fire behavior was less extreme than anticipated in some areas, allowing crews to hold established lines and reposition resources to reinforce suppression efforts. Crews also successfully held line through areas of heavy timber, supported by extensive retardant use.
On the west side of the fire, firefighters are working to keep the fire out of Dog Valley and in flatter terrain. Near the Somersett side of the fire, crews constructed handline with support from helicopters. Firefighters are also working around a natural gas line within the fire area.
Mountainous terrain, continuous fuels and critically dry conditions continue to challenge suppression efforts.
FIRE OUTLOOK & WEATHER
Over the next 12 hours, the fire is expected to continue making moderate- to high-intensity runs in pockets of dense fuels. Over the next 24 hours, backing fire with periods of running fire behavior is possible where fuels, wind and topography align.
Hot, dry and breezy conditions are expected to continue supporting active fire behavior over the next 48 hours. The fire has the potential to spread northeast and northwest, and conditions remain dynamic and subject to rapid change.
Critically dry fuels persist across the fire area. Elevated temperatures and seasonal afternoon southwest winds are expected to continue influencing fire behavior.
EVACUATIONS & CLOSURES
Evacuations remain in effect. Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and fire managers are in continuous coordination to determine when residents can safely return to their homes. Damage assessment teams are also working in impacted areas to evaluate conditions.
There is not currently a specific timeline for when evacuation areas will reopen. Reentry decisions are based on conditions within the fire area and the ability to safely allow residents back into affected neighborhoods. Updates will be shared as soon as those decisions are made.
Current evacuation information and maps are available at:
https://perimetermap.com/washoe
Area, road and trail closures remain in effect, including a closure of U.S. Highway 395 and a Forest area closure. Roads will reopen as conditions allow. Travelers and residents should check current road and evacuation information before entering the affected area.
COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT
A Hawk Fire Community Meeting will be held tonight, August 24, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
📍 California Building
75 Cowan Street
Reno, NV 89509
Fire managers will provide an update on the incident and current suppression efforts. After the speakers finish, attendees will break into smaller group discussions, providing an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and speak directly with incident personnel.
For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be livestreamed on the Hawk Fire page. Public Information Officers will monitor and answer questions in the comments throughout the event.
SAFETY
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are in place over the fire area. Please remember that when drones are flown near a wildfire, firefighting aircraft may be forced to stop operating. This can hinder suppression efforts and put firefighters and the public at risk.
If you fly, we can’t!
If you or a loved one is sensitive to smoke, stay indoors when possible until air quality improves. Current smoke and air-quality conditions can be monitored at:
https://fire.airnow.gov/ #8/39.53/-119.814
Please continue to rely on official sources for current fire, evacuation and closure information as conditions can change rapidly.
Photo of Hawk Fire North of Somersett, Credit Paul Petersen
