Fast-moving wildfire amid shifting winds threatens Reno, Nevada, forcing thousands to evacuate
A rapidly spreading wildfire in Reno, Nevada, has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and destroyed multiple homes. Firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze due to shifting winds and rugged terrain.
Why it matters
The event underscores the increasing threat of human-caused wildfires to urban-wildland interfaces in the American West.
A fast-moving wildfire that jumped over fire trucks and made it difficult for crews to reach hot spots destroyed homes in northwest Reno, Nevada, on Sunday (August 24, 2026).
Shifting winds challenged firefighters trying to bring it under control, and authorities urged some 90,000 people to evacuate.
At least six people - three first responders and three civilians - were injured, officials said, adding that the fire was “human-caused” but did not provide details on how they reached that conclusion, or whether it was intentionally set or accidental.
The Hawk Fire began on Saturday (August 24) and quickly grew to more than 60 sq km as it spread across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, where rugged foothills are ringed by homes and businesses near the California state line.
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