The fast-moving Hawk Fire in northwest Reno expanded to more than 10,500 acres on Saturday, August 22, 2026, prompting mandatory Level 3 evacuations, highway closures, and a state of emergency declaration from Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo as structures were lost.
A fast-moving brush fire ignited in northwest Reno on Saturday morning, rapidly ballooning to thousands of acres and forcing mandatory evacuations across neighborhoods near Somersett and the North Valleys. First responders deployed structural protection rigs and regional air assets to combat the blaze as high winds and dry vegetation fueled its aggressive spread, according to regional reporting.
Governor Lombardo Declares State of Emergency as Evacuations Expand
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County on Saturday night as the Hawk Fire crossed major thresholds and entered residential areas. Approximately 400 local, state, and federal personnel are assigned to the incident, utilizing ground crews and air support to establish containment lines, the outlet reported. Under the emergency declaration, all state agencies are directed to channel their efforts through the Nevada Emergency Operations Center.
“Please heed all warnings from local officials, evacuate immediately if you are ordered to do so, and do not put yourself or first responders at risk.”
Gov. Joe Lombardo
The fire broke out at approximately 11:30 a.m. Saturday near the Somersett Golf and Country Club, roughly one mile north of Cold Creek Trail along Hawk Meadow Trail. Driven by strong gusty winds, low humidity, and dry cheatgrass, the perimeter expanded past 10,500 acres by late Saturday night. Officials confirmed that structures have been lost to the flames, though precise figures regarding the number or types of buildings destroyed were not immediately available.
Washoe County Sheriff Issues Mandatory Level 3 Orders for Somersett and Peavine Peak
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue issued immediate Level 3 Go Now
evacuation orders for subdivisions flanking Peavine Mountain. The mandatory directives cover the Somersett Peak, South Mountain, Sierra Canyon, and the back ridgelines of Peavine Peak, alongside residential corridors along Somersett Parkway, Avenida de Landa, and Las Brisas Boulevard.
Additional red Go Now
zones established later Saturday evening include Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, the northern side of Kings Row, McQueen High School, Sierra Vista Park, and the Somersett Golf and Country Club. Meanwhile, a Level 2 Be Set
advisory was implemented for areas south of North Virginia Street, communities bordering Verdi and Mogul, and zones north of Interstate 80 extending from Everett Drive westward to Boomtown and Cabela Drive.
“If you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait! Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building. Evacuating before the fire arrives also allows our firefighters to focus their efforts on battling the blaze.”
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Rick Edwards, Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran, and Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaan urged the public to stay clear of the North Valleys. Officials emphasized that keeping unnecessary traffic out of the region ensures emergency strike teams and heavy equipment can operate safely.
Highway Closures and Evacuation Centers Established Across Reno
Transportation authorities implemented strict traffic restrictions across the region. All northbound traffic on U.S. Highway 395 is closed starting at Parr Boulevard, with all off-ramps shut down between Red Rock Road and Parr Boulevard. Southbound lanes remain open solely to accommodate evacuation traffic, requiring motorists to travel south toward Reno.
With the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center evacuation facility reaching capacity, authorities established a primary shelter inside Hall 4 of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center at 4590 South Virginia St.
University of Nevada, Reno leadership stated that the campus is not currently inside an evacuation or Get Ready
yellow zone, though university officials are actively monitoring conditions.
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