Hawk Fire in Reno, Nevada, Destroys Dozens of Homes and Forces 45,000 Evacuations

Human-caused blaze remains under investigation after mass evacuation

RENO, Nevada — The Hawk Fire has destroyed dozens of homes and forced an estimated 45,000 people to evacuate in Reno, Nevada, officials said Sunday, as crews continued responding to a fast-moving wildfire believed to have been caused by human activity.

The fire’s scale has prompted one of the largest reported evacuation efforts in the area, displacing tens of thousands of residents as flames threatened neighborhoods and damaged homes. The evacuations were reported by NBC Nightly News on Aug. 24, 2026.

Authorities have said the Hawk Fire is human-caused, but investigators have not determined whether the act that sparked it was intentional. That distinction remains central to the inquiry, which will examine how the fire began and whether any criminal conduct was involved.

Dozens of homes reported destroyed

Officials said dozens of homes have been destroyed by the Hawk Fire, though the available report did not provide a full breakdown of damaged structures or identify the affected neighborhoods. Information on injuries, fatalities and the number of homes still under threat was not immediately included in the report.

Wildfires that reach populated areas can quickly turn into broad public-safety emergencies, requiring residents to leave with little notice while fire crews work to protect lives, homes and evacuation routes. The displacement of 45,000 people underscores the pressure the blaze has placed on Reno-area communities and emergency services.

Residents under evacuation orders are being urged to follow directions from local authorities and monitor official alerts as conditions can shift quickly. Fire behavior, road access and the boundaries of evacuation zones may change as crews assess the threat.

Cause investigation continues

Investigators are continuing to examine the suspected human cause of the Hawk Fire. Officials had not publicly said what activity may have ignited the blaze or whether a person of interest had been identified.

The fire remains an active emergency in Reno, with thousands of people evacuated and the cause investigation ongoing.