Mass evacuations ordered as Hawk Fire races across Nevada, growing by thousands of acres

A fast-moving wildfire in Nevada has exploded to more than 10,500 acres, forcing evacuations as officials warn residents to get out of affected areas and prepare to leave elsewhere.

The Hawk Fire, burning near Verdi and Peavine Mountain, had reached 10,523 acres by 8:30 p.m., according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), with no containment reported.

The scale of the blaze comes as wildfire activity continues across the US.

NIFC figures updated August 21 show that 49,608 wildfires have burned 7,510,237 acres nationwide so far this year, while 72 large incidents were being suppressed.

The latest figures put the Nevada emergency into the wider context of an unusually busy fire year, but the immediate concern for people around Verdi is getting out safely.

Nearly 1,000 homes are threatened, according to the U.S. Forest Service-Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, as the fire moves northeast toward North Virginia Street between Seneca Drive and Copperfield Drive.

The Hawk Fire had reached 10,523 acres by 8:30 p.m., according to the National Interagency Fire Center. (Reno Fire Department)

How big is the Hawk Fire in Nevada?

The fire was first reported shortly before 11:30 a.m. and has grown rapidly since then.

Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued, with residents in areas marked 'GO' being told to leave immediately.

People in 'GET SET' zones are being asked to prepare to evacuate if conditions worsen.

The situation has also forced officials to change where evacuees can seek shelter. The Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center is now full, and people leaving their homes are being directed to Hall 4 of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center at 4590 S Virginia Street.

The fire is one of a number of major incidents being tracked by federal agencies during a summer in which the US has already seen millions of acres burn. NIFC's national figures show the country had recorded more than 7.5 million acres burned by August 21.

For comparison, NIFC's final figures for 2025 recorded 77,850 wildfires and 5,131,474 acres burned across the US.

Where are evacuations happening because of the Hawk Fire?

Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue has issued specific travel instructions for residents north of Red Rock Road.

Anyone evacuating from those areas must use 'U.S. 395 to travel north', while southbound U.S. 395 remains open for evacuation traffic. Once on the highway, drivers must stay on the route because off-ramps are closed between Red Rock Road and Parr Boulevard.

Old U.S. 395 is also closed between Parr Boulevard and Red Rock Road, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. Nevada State Police are assisting with traffic control and residents have been asked to watch for emergency vehicles.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is assisting with the response around Verdi and Somersett, while authorities are urging people to avoid the area and follow official updates.

Reno Police have also asked residents 'not to call 911 simply to report the fire or request general information'.

NIFC figures show that 49,608 wildfires have burned 7,510,237 acres across the US so far in 2026. (Nevada State police)

Officials say unnecessary calls could overwhelm emergency communications and delay help for people facing an immediate emergency.

People should call 911 if they face an immediate threat to life or property or have another emergency requiring assistance.

The cause of the Hawk Fire remains unknown.

Multiple power outages have also been reported in the area, likely because of the fire.

Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue is providing updates on X, while Nevada's power provider, NV Energy, is posting outage information.