Disasters & Incidents
Reno wildfire keeps 24,000 under evacuation orders
About 24,000 people remained under evacuation orders on Monday as the Hawk Fire burned near Reno, Nevada, after forcing more than 40,000 people from their homes at its peak.
Schools were closed as smoke covered parts of Reno, a city of about 280,000 people near the California border. Tens of thousands more people were on alert and told to be ready to leave.
The fire began on Saturday and had grown to more than 15,000 acres, or about 6,000 hectares, by Monday. Firefighters said they had contained 27% of its perimeter, with part of the blaze about five miles northwest of Reno.
No deaths have been reported. Officials said seven people had been injured, including three first responders. At least 32 properties had been destroyed and several others damaged, and officials said the number was expected to rise as crews reached the interior of the fire area.
Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Richard Edwards said the blaze was human-caused, but investigators had not determined whether it was intentional or unintentional. He said the fire would more than likely be classified as undetermined.
More than 900 firefighters were working on the blaze with fire engines, helicopters and bulldozers. Teams from Australia and New Zealand joined crews from across the United States.
Edwards warned that wind-driven fires can move quickly into residential areas. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents under evacuation orders not to wait before leaving.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo had declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, saying the fire was spreading quickly and threatening homes and structures.
Update
About 24,000 people remained under evacuation orders, down from more than 40,000 at the peak.
The Hawk Fire was 27% contained along its perimeter by Monday.
Seven people had been injured, including three first responders.
At least 32 properties had been destroyed, with officials expecting that figure to rise.
More than 900 firefighters were working on the blaze.
Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Richard Edwards said the fire was human-caused, but investigators had not determined whether it was intentional or unintentional.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 August 2026 at 22:46:10 UTC.
Update
About 42,000 people remained evacuated on Monday, according to Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve.
Firefighters warned that hot, dry and breezy conditions could support active fire behavior for the next 48 hours.
More than 700 firefighters were tackling the blaze with engines, helicopters and bulldozers.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 August 2026 at 18:11:54 UTC.
Update
All but one school in Washoe County will remain closed on Monday, authorities said.
The Hawk Fire had grown to 15,051 acres by Sunday evening, according to InciWeb.
Officials said the fire was human-caused but did not say how it started.
A local fire rescue service said about 800 people were supporting firefighting efforts, including crews from Australia and New Zealand.
No deaths have been reported.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 August 2026 at 11:05:27 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
Investigators had not determined how the human-caused fire started.
Damage figures may rise as firefighters reach more of the burned area.
Source
AFP news report published on .