Crews Contain 27% of Wildfire Destroying Homes Near Reno

Firefighters reached 27% containment on Monday on a wildfire near Reno, Nevada, that destroyed at least 32 homes and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents after igniting over the weekend in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

The Hawk Fire, which broke out Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near the California state line, rapidly expanded on Sunday to 23 square miles. Authorities reported that human activity caused the blaze, though they have not specified whether it was accidental or intentional.

Emergency officials reduced evacuation orders and warnings to roughly 63,000 people on Monday, down from a peak of more than 90,000 over the weekend. Washoe County schools closed Monday to assist emergency operations, and Nevada's governor declared a state of emergency while mobilizing the National Guard to aid aerial firefighting and secure evacuated areas.

"We are making progress," said Matt Zumstein, U.S. Forest Service District Ranger.

Initial surveys confirmed at least 32 homes burned and six suffered damage, though officials expect those figures to rise as assessment crews enter affected neighborhoods. At least seven people, including three first responders and four civilians, suffered injuries during the disaster.

"It lit up these areas like nothing I’ve seen before," said Hillary Schieve, Reno Mayor. "It took your breath away, in the worst way."

High winds and low humidity continue to threaten dry brush near newly developed residential districts northwest of downtown Reno. Officials urged residents who remain locked out of protected neighborhoods to maintain patience while risks persist.

"There’s no fire here! Why are the National Guard here?" said a driver.

Highways and access points remain monitored by law enforcement to protect evacuated property and prevent accidents caused by shifting wind conditions.

"It just takes that little breeze and one ember," said Darin Balaam, Washoe County Sheriff.

The wildfire coincides with regional preparations for the annual Burning Man festival in the Black Rock Desert, prompting organizers to urge attendees to avoid utilizing hotel accommodations and critical resources needed by local evacuees.

"Treat our neighbors, first responders, hospitality workers and everyone affected by this emergency with patience and care," said Burning Man event organizers.

Displaced residents sheltered at facilities such as the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, with many recounting rapid escapes from the fast-moving flames that consumed entire streets.

"He was saying he can’t breathe, it’s so dark I can’t see, and I’m screaming at him, ‘Leave the car, just leave it,’" said Crystal Hallock, local resident.

Hallock lost her home for the second time in under a decade after previously rebuilding from a 2018 house fire.

"I’m truly blessed because I have a place to stay with my animals and my grandkids. We were all able to get out safely," said Crystal Hallock, local resident.

Other evacuees described returning briefly to dangerous areas to secure essential items after being caught off guard by the speed of the evacuations.

"Honestly, I thought it was like in a movie," said Ruby Delatorre, local resident.

Some residents initially confused the rising smoke with earlier regional fires that burned during the preceding weeks.

"I literally want to cry and go back for all my stuff. I just got what I thought I needed," said Ruby Delatorre, local resident.

Evacuees awaiting updates at relief shelters face ongoing uncertainty regarding the condition of their properties.

"The flames were pretty close to my house, and the smoke was really thick, but we have no idea if our house survived or not," said Jon Hanbury, local resident.

The National Interagency Fire Center warned that persistent dry, warm, and windy conditions across western Nevada maintain high wildfire risks through the remainder of the week.