A major wildfire is currently burning in the Reno area, with the Hawk Fire prompting evacuations and a large emergency response in northwest Reno near Somersett and Verdi. By mid-afternoon on August 22, the fire was estimated at about 2,500 acres with no containment reported, and officials warned that the situation could change rapidly because of dangerous fire weather.

Fire in Reno NV Right Now – Crews Respond to Fast-Moving Hawk Fire Near Somersett

Fire activity has intensified in the Reno, Nevada, area as firefighters battle the rapidly growing Hawk Fire near Somersett, Verdi and the Peavine Mountain area.

The wildfire was first reported late Saturday morning near the Somersett area of northwest Reno. What initially appeared to be a smaller vegetation fire quickly expanded, prompting a major response from Reno-area firefighters and additional resources.

By approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, the Hawk Fire had grown to an estimated 2,500 acres. Fire officials reported that the blaze was spreading rapidly, with additional engines, bulldozers and hand crews requested to assist the response.

Evacuation Orders Issued Near Reno

Evacuation orders have been issued for areas north and northwest of Somersett and north of Verdi as firefighters work to protect threatened communities.

Residents in designated evacuation zones have been instructed to leave immediately, while other nearby communities have been placed under evacuation warnings and advised to prepare in case conditions worsen.

An evacuation centre has been established at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center in Reno for people displaced by the fire.

Firefighters Battle Dangerous Conditions

The Hawk Fire developed as northern Nevada faced dangerous wildfire conditions.

A Red Flag Warning was in effect for parts of the Reno region because of strong winds and very low humidity. The National Weather Service warned that wind gusts and dry vegetation could allow fires to grow rapidly and become more difficult to control.

Firefighters from Reno and surrounding agencies are working to slow the spread of the blaze, protect structures and strengthen containment lines.

The cause of the Hawk Fire has not been confirmed.

Reno Residents Urged to Stay Alert

Authorities have asked the public to avoid the fire area and allow emergency vehicles unrestricted access.

Residents in or near evacuation zones should monitor official emergency alerts and follow instructions immediately if ordered to leave. Conditions around an active wildfire can change quickly, particularly when strong winds are present.

People who are not directly affected are also urged not to overwhelm emergency dispatch centres with calls requesting general information about the fire.

Fire Activity Remains a Major Concern Across Northern Nevada

The Hawk Fire comes as northern Nevada continues to face an active wildfire season.

Firefighters have also been making progress on the much larger Bug and Stallion fires north of Reno, which together burned more than 134,000 acres before containment increased significantly. Despite that progress, dry conditions and strong winds continue to create the risk of new fires and renewed fire activity across the region.

The Hawk Fire remains a developing emergency, and its size, containment level, evacuation zones and impact on nearby communities may change as firefighters continue their work.

Further updates are expected as emergency officials release additional verified information.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available on August 22, 2026. Wildfire conditions can change rapidly, and the reported acreage, containment level, evacuation areas and threat to structures may be updated as firefighters continue assessing the Hawk Fire. Residents in affected areas should follow official evacuation instructions and emergency alerts.