NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 24, 2026Miami-Dade
Nevada Governor declares emergency as Hawk Fire forces 90,000 to evacuate near Reno
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and activated the National Guard to combat the rapidly spreading Hawk Fire. Approximately 90,000 residents are under evacuation orders or warnings, and school districts and medical facilities have suspended operations as the fire continues to burn near Reno.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 MiamiWhy It Matters
The wildfire has forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, caused the destruction of residential property, and disrupted essential services including schools and medical care across Washoe County.
Key Facts
- The Hawk Fire has burned approximately 15,000 acres northwest of Reno.
- 90,000 residents are under evacuation orders or warnings.
- 42,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders.
- 45,000 people are in yellow evacuation warning zones.
- Governor Joe Lombardo declared an emergency in Washoe County and activated the Nevada National Guard.
- Six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders.
- Washoe County School District canceled all classes and activities for Monday.
- Northwest Specialty Hospital and the North Valleys emergency room have evacuated or closed.
- Approximately 1,000 personnel are currently battling the blaze.
- The fire is human-caused, though the specific origin remains under investigation.
- 10,000 utility customers in Washoe County were without power as of Monday morning.
- Weather forecasts predict wind gusts up to 35-40 mph through Saturday.
Who's Mentioned
personDavid Cochran“Reno Fire Chief”otherHawk Fire“The wildfire currently burning”personHillary Schieve“Mayor of Reno”locationReno“City affected by the wildfire”other20“Wind gust speed in mph”personShane Akerson“Incident commander”other35“Wind gust speed in mph”other45,000“People in evacuation warning zones”personDarin Balaam“Washoe County Sheriff”other15,000“Acres burned”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California monitoring the situation”other90,000“Residents urged to evacuate”personRichard Edwards“Chief with Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District”other42,000“People under mandatory evacuation”personJoe Lombardo“Governor of Nevada who declared the emergency”locationWashoe County“Area under emergency declaration”other40“Wind gust speed in mph”other25“Wind gust speed in mph”