Fire officials say that the Hawk Fire is now 27% contained, and still 15,000+ acres. During a live fire briefing on Monday, they also announced that 32 homes have been destroyed while another six are damaged.
NV Energy says that power is now restored in the Somersett area.
Over 100 power poles were damaged from the fire resulting in 10,000+ customers losing power.
Authorities also announced that they have are having issues with drones, so they ask the public to not fly them during the fire, and to wait until it is done.
Aug. 24, 12:14 p.m. update:
Hawk Fire evacuation update: Residents seek answers about leaving and returning home.
We are hearing from residents on both sides of the evacuation lines who have questions about access to their homes. Some people who were ordered to evacuate want to know when they will be allowed to return, while others who chose to remain at home say they are concerned about leaving to get supplies or take care of necessities because they may not be allowed back into their neighborhoods.
We know these questions are creating frustration and uncertainty for people affected by the Hawk Fire, and we are continuing to seek answers for our viewers.
According to the Hawk Fire Incident page in an online post, officials understand the frustration and anxiety surrounding the road closures and evacuations. The incident page said that while the smoke plume may no longer look the way it did Saturday, firefighters are still doing extensive work that may not be visible to the public.
Crews are continuing to use heavy machinery, excavators and fire trucks, while various crews patrol the area looking for hotspots. NV Energy is also replacing damaged power lines, and other units are working to ensure the affected areas are safe before residents are allowed to return.
“Please be patient and know that there are so many people working incredibly hard to get you home as soon as it’s safe. Your safety is the priority, and we appreciate your understanding during this difficult time,” the Hawk Fire Incident Command said in its online post.
The incident page said officials understand how difficult it is to be away from home and are working to allow residents to return as soon as it is safe.
Fire Incident Command is scheduled to hold a briefing Monday afternoon, followed by a community meeting Monday evening. We will be listening for answers about both reentry and access for people who remain in affected areas but may need to leave for supplies or other necessities.
We will continue asking those questions on behalf of residents and will share additional information as officials provide it.
In a separate update from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office in an online post, officials announced that evacuations in the Somersett area have been downgraded from a red “Evacuate Now” status to a yellow “Get Set To Evacuate,” including all neighborhoods off Robb Drive.
Additionally, the road closures previously in place surrounding those communities have been lifted.
The Sheriff's Office said this remains a dynamic situation and conditions can change quickly. While these areas have been downgraded to yellow “Get Set To Evacuate” status, residents should remain vigilant, be prepared to evacuate if conditions change and continue to monitor official updates.
For the most current evacuation zones, road closures and incident information, residents should monitor the Perimeter Map. Information about what to know before returning home is available through Emergency Washoe.
(The Hawk Fire Incident and Washoe County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story update.)
Aug. 24, 9:30 a.m. update:
The Hawk Fire remains 0% contained at 15,051 acres Monday as firefighters work to hold established lines around the fire northwest of Reno, while evacuation orders and warnings continue across the North Valleys, Somersett and parts of northwest Reno.
Firefighters make progress as winds remain a concern
Firefighters made progress holding the fire despite the extreme fire behavior seen during the incident. Crews are working to keep the fire east of Dog Valley Road and south of U.S. Highway 395.
In some areas, fire behavior was less extreme than anticipated, allowing crews to hold established lines and reposition resources to strengthen suppression efforts. Firefighters are using handline and direct attack where conditions allow and have successfully held line through areas of heavy timber with extensive retardant support.
On the west side of the fire, crews are working to keep the flames out of Dog Valley and in flatter terrain. Near Somersett, firefighters constructed handline with support from helicopters. Crews are also working around a natural gas line within the fire area.
The fire is burning through tall grass, brush and timber, with mountainous terrain, continuous fuels and critically dry conditions continuing to challenge firefighters.
There are currently 720 personnel assigned to the fire, including 14 crews, 95 engines, 10 helicopters and nine dozers.
The fire is expected to continue making moderate to high intensity runs in pockets of dense fuels over the next 12 hours. Over the next 24 hours, backing fire with periods of running fire behavior is possible where fuels, wind and topography align.
The fire has the potential to spread northeast and northwest, and conditions remain dynamic and subject to rapid change.
Elevated temperatures and seasonal afternoon southwest winds are expected to continue influencing fire behavior.
Afternoon winds could increase fire activity
Calm winds Monday morning are expected to help keep wildfire smoke from traveling far beyond the fire perimeter while conditions remain calm.
That is expected to change this afternoon as Zephyr winds increase, with gusts reaching 30 to 35 mph. Those winds will bring periods of elevated fire weather conditions.
There is no red flag warning in effect Monday, and slightly higher relative humidity is expected to provide some help by limiting the exchange of moisture between fuels and the atmosphere. That is expected to keep conditions below red flag criteria.
High temperatures will reach the low 90s Monday and remain in the low to mid-90s through the week. Washoe Zephyr winds are expected to continue, which means firefighters could continue to face stronger afternoon winds.
A low moving through the Pacific Northwest later in the week is expected to bring drier air and enhanced winds, with elevated fire weather conditions possible later in the week.
There are limited chances for stray showers and thunderstorms Monday, mainly in Mono and Mineral counties, the Great Basin to the east and northern Washoe County. No rain is expected elsewhere for the rest of the week.
Evacuations remain across the North Valleys, Somersett, and northwest Reno
GO NOW evacuation orders remain in effect across several North Valleys communities, including Cold Springs, Red Rock, Silver Knolls, Stead, Lemmon Valley, Golden Valley, along North Virginia, Raleigh Heights and parts of Panther Valley.
The evacuation area also extends to parts of North Virginia Street on the west side of Rancho San Rafael Park.
Evacuations previously expanded south into the Somersett community, including areas north of Somersett Parkway to Robb Drive, as well as other neighborhoods in northwest Reno. Rancho San Rafael Park remains closed.
GET READY warnings remain in and around several of those areas.
There is currently no timeline for when evacuation areas will reopen. Washoe County Sheriff's Office deputies and fire managers are coordinating on when residents can safely return, while damage assessment teams continue evaluating impacted areas.
Authorities say that reentry decisions are based on conditions within the fire area and the ability to safely allow residents back into affected neighborhoods. Updates will be shared as soon as those decisions are made.
Residents should check the Perimeter Map regularly to see whether their neighborhood is under a Go Now order or Get Ready warning because conditions can change quickly.
Current evacuation information is available on the Perimeter Map.
Road, area, and trail closures also remain in effect, including U.S. Highway 395 and a forest area closure. Roads will reopen as conditions allow. Travelers and residents should check current road and evacuation information before entering the affected area.
Fire has not reached Sierra County
The Hawk Fire has also prompted warnings in Sierra County, California, where the fire continues to push toward the Long Valley area.
As of 12:30 p.m. Sunday, the fire had not reached Sierra County. Sierra County Sheriff's Office deputies are monitoring conditions.
Damage assessments continue
Damage assessment teams are working in several areas affected by the fire.
Fire officials have confirmed that some structures have been damaged or destroyed, but they have not released a specific number while the assessment is underway. Homeowners will be notified directly if their property has been impacted.
At least six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders.
The fire moved exceptionally quickly Saturday night, jumping over fire trucks and making it difficult for responders to reach hotspots while residents were trying to evacuate, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said.
“It was extremely confusing,” the sheriff said, describing how changing winds sent the flames in different directions.
Fire officials say the fire was started by people, but they have not released a more specific cause.
Nearly 10,000 customers remain without power
Power outages related to emergency de-energization measures continue across Washoe County, with 18 outages affecting 9,854 customers.
The largest number of affected customers is in ZIP code 89506, where 8,375 customers are affected across five outages. Another 1,264 customers in ZIP code 89508 are affected across three outages.
The remaining outages are reported in:
89431: 98 customers
89434: 13 customers
89436: 10 customers
89439: 1 customer
89502: 16 customers
89509: 66 customers
89510: 11 customers
NV Energy said the customers affected by emergency de-energization are in areas where evacuation orders or warnings are already in place because of wildfire activity.
Gas service has also been shut off for about 250 customers as a safety measure.
Areas closest to the fire will remain de-energized until NV Energy teams and fire agencies determine it is safe to restore service. Customers are not charged for electricity during periods when service is interrupted because of emergency de-energization.
National Guard supports firefighting and evacuations
Gov. Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard.
The Guard is sending a CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk aircrew to support aerial firefighting. An additional 60 Nevada National Guard Response Force personnel have been called in to assist local law enforcement in safeguarding evacuated neighborhoods.
The Reno-Stead Airport is closed to commercial flights but remains open for firefighting and military aircraft. Reno-Tahoe International Airport remains unaffected.
Fire officials will hold briefing Monday afternoon
Fire Incident Command will hold a press briefing at 2 p.m. Monday, August 24.
The briefing will include updates from Fire Incident Command and other agencies involved in the Hawk Fire response.
We will livestream the briefing on air, our website and social media platforms so viewers can follow the latest information from incident officials.
Community meeting set for Monday night
Fire managers will also hold a Hawk Fire community meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the California Building, located at 75 Cowan Street in Reno.
The meeting will include an update on the fire and current suppression efforts. Afterward, attendees will break into smaller group discussions to ask questions, share concerns and speak directly with incident personnel.
The community meeting will also be livestreamed on the Hawk Fire Facebook page, and shared on our KTVN 2 News Nevada Facebook page, where public information officers will monitor comments and answer questions.
Officials warn about drones and smoke
A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area.
Officials are reminding the public that flying drones near the wildfire can force firefighting aircraft to stop operating, hindering suppression efforts and creating risks for firefighters and the public.
If you fly, they can’t!
People who are sensitive to smoke should stay indoors when possible until air quality improves.
Current smoke and air quality conditions can be monitored at www.airnow.gov.
Officials continue to urge residents to rely on current fire, evacuation and closure information as conditions can change rapidly.
Aug. 24, 5:19 a.m. update:
The Hawk Fire has burned through 15,040 acres and remains 0% contained after starting on Saturday near Somersett.
Damage assessment teams are assessing structures in the affected areas and homeowners will be notified directly if their property has been impacted.
Fire officials held a briefing on Sunday morning where they announced that about 42,000 people remain evacuated and/displaced by the fire. Another 90,000 people live within the zone. Authorities have implored all of them to leave and be prepared to stay away for several days, because shifting and strengthening winds were expected to make the fire even more unpredictable.
Fire officials stress don't call 911 for information. Keep 911 and emergency dispatch lines available for those experiencing an emergency.
Over 1,000 first responders and 800 personnel are helping with the fire.
They announced a Hawk Fire Facebook page where they will give updates You can also call 1-775-244-6988.
During the briefing, they announced that some 'structures' were damaged or destroyed but they did not give any specific numbers, not until an assessment is done.
The fire moved exceptionally fast Saturday night, jumping over fire trucks and making it difficult for responders to get to hotspots while residents were trying to get out, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said.
“It was extremely confusing,” the sheriff said, describing how changing winds sent the flames in different directions.
The fire started the day before, and has burned 10,520+ acres and remains 0% contained.
Fire officials say at least six people, three civilians and three first responders, have suffered injuries.
NV Energy says approximately 10,000 customers remain without power due to emergency de-energization measures related to the fire. Customers currently affected are located in areas where orders or warnings are already in place due to wildfire activity. Gas service was shut-off for about 250 customers, also for safety. Areas closest to the fire will remain de-energized until NV Energy teams and fire agencies advise it is safe to restore power.
NV Energy says customers are not charged for electricity during periods when service is interrupted due to emergency de-energization.
Gov. Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, and mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support aerial firefighting with two helicopter crews as well as 60 troops to help police safeguard evacuated neighborhoods.
The #HawkFire is still a rapidly evolving situation. Stay vigilant and keep yourself informed if you are in the affected areas.
— Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) August 23, 2026
Get highway updates and road closures from @nevadadotreno at https://t.co/64jm3bgewU
Monitor https://t.co/kOySTPJ8VM for evacuation information. https://t.co/29xxTrSdN3
We’re closely monitoring the #HawkFire across the Tahoe region and Nevada, with state and local partners deployed and coordinating on the ground and in the air.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) August 23, 2026
Residents in impacted areas should continue following guidance from local emergency officials.
The fire was started by people, according to fire officials who have not yet released a more specific cause.
Firefighters worked through the night to protect communities, structures and critical infrastructure.
The Nevada National Guard says they're sending one CH-47 Chinook and one UH-60 Black Hawk aircrews in support of aerial firefighting efforts on the Hawk Fire.
Additionally, 60 Nevada National Guard Response Force personnel have been called to assist local law enforcement in safeguarding evacuated neighborhoods.
The Reno-Stead Airport is currently closed to commercial flights but remains open for firefighting and military aircraft. Reno-Tahoe International remains unaffected.
— Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (@RenoAirport) August 23, 2026
Evacuations have expanded to the south, impacting the Somersett community, including areas north of Somersett Parkway to Robb Drive, as well as neighborhoods in northwest Reno. Rancho San Rafael Park is closed.
The most current Washoe County map is available at the Perimeter Map website.
An center has been set up at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 South Virginia Street, Reno.
Small animals can go to Washoe County Regional Animal Services on Longley Lane. Large animals can be taken to the Ironwood Event Center, at 5600 Whiskey Springs Road.
The Hawk Fire has also led to warnings in Sierra County, California. See the latest California warnings on the Genesys Map.
The sheriff's office says the fire continues to push toward the Long Valley area of Sierra County. As of 12:30 PM, the fire has not reached Sierra County. Sierra County Sheriff’s Office deputies are on scene and closely monitoring fire conditions.
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Aug. 22, 9:30 p.m. update
Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the Hawk fire continues to spread.
Under the declaration, all state agencies are directed to work through the Nevada Emergency Operations Center to supplement local efforts.
The Hawk Fire is now being mapped at 10,522 acres and remains 0% contained.
The most current map is available at the Perimeter Map website.
The site at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center is now at capacity and a new site has been set up at Hall 4 of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 South Virginia Street, Reno.
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Aug. 22, 9:00 p.m. update
The Hawk Fire is now being mapped at 10,522 acres and remains 0% contained.
According to NDOT, U.S. 395 northbound is closed between Parr Blvd and Bordertown. U.S. 395 southbound freeway ramps are open between Stead Blvd and Reno for s.
New Warnings have been issued in the Lemmon Valley and Silver Knolls area.
The most current map is available at the Perimeter Map website.
CENTER
The site at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center is now full.
The new site is located at Hall 4 of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 South Virginia Street, Reno.
DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES:
If you are being evacuated, the Silver Legacy, Eldorado and Circus Circus Reno are offering a $59 room rate with no resort fee.
Call 1-800-223-7277 or book online with code SCLOC26.
J Resort is also offering a $59 discounted rate with no resort free. Use the code HAWK26 when booking online.
The Nugget is Sparks is also offering a $49 room rate for evacuees.
Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) is offering evacuees and fire crews a special room rate of $59 per night, with resort fees waived. Evacuees and fire crews can take advantage of the offer by visiting GrandSierraResort.com/Evacuee or calling the resort at 775-789-2000 and mentioning the code “EVACUEE.” The special rate is available for a limited time and may be extended as circumstances warrant, based on room availability. Note: GSR is not accepting reservations with pets.
LARGE ANIMALS
According to Washoe County, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center is NOT an center for animals. An event this weekend means there is currently no room.
We will update this story when a location has been identified.
Mayor Hilary Schieve has released a statement as the firefight continues:
"My heart goes out to anyone in our community who has been impacted by the dangerous and fast-moving Hawk Fire. Our firefighters and first responders are heroically fighting the fire and the high winds to save lives, homes, businesses, livestock and pets.
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.
I encourage our community to please keep our firefighters and first responders in your prayers and to open your hearts, homes and businesses to the people who have had to evacuate.
The City of Reno staff and regional partners will keep you updated on the information you need to know through local news media, social media, perimetermap.com and emergencywashoe.com.”
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Aug. 22, 7:45 p.m. update:
The Hawk Fire has grown to 8,020 acres according to the latest estimate from fire officials.
orders and warnings continue to expand.
The most current map is available at the Perimeter Map website.
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Aug. 22, 7:00 p.m. update:
The orders and warnings are now expanding rapidly.
New s are in effect for all communities on the north side of US 395 that border the highway.
The most current map is available at the Perimeter Map website.
Fire officials have not updated the number of acres burned. The Hawk Fire has burned an estimated 2,500 acres.
U.S. 395 remains closed between Parr Blvd and Red Rock Rd.
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Aug. 22, 6:30 p.m. update:
Some warnings have been changed to Evacuate Now orders. The most current map is available at the Perimeter Map website.
GO NOW ORDERS are in effect north and northwest of Somersett and north of Verdi as well as on the west side of US 395 for areas of Golden Valley, Lemmon Valley, Stead and Cold Springs.
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Aug. 22, 5:30 p.m. update:
The Hawk Fire remains at 2,500 acres and is moving in a northeast direction according to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue.
Some warnings have been changed to Evacuate Now orders. The most current map is available at the Perimeter Map website.
GO NOW ORDERS are in effect north and northwest of Somersett and north of Verdi as well as on the west side of US 395 for Golden Valley, Lemmon Valley, and Stead.
GET SET WARNINGS are in effect in portions of Stead, Golden Valley, and Cold Springs.
CENTER
Those needing to evacuate can go to the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, 1301 Valley Road in Reno.
DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES:
If you are being evacuated, the Silver Legacy, Eldorado and Circus Circus Reno are offering a $59 room rate with no resort fee.
Call 1-800-223-7277 or book online with code SCLOC26.
J Resort is also offering a $59 discounted rate with no resort free. Use the code HAWK26 when booking online.
ROAD CLOSURES:
U.S. 395 is closed in both directions from Parr Boulevard to Red Rock Rd.
N. Virginia Street is closed between Red Rock Rd. and White Lake Pkwy
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Aug. 22, 3:40 p.m. update:
The Hawk Fire is west Reno has burned an estimated 2,500 acres and is 0% contained since starting around 11 a.m. Saturday.
According to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, the fire is moving northeast with approximately 1,000 homes threatened.
Local, state, and federal fire crews are on the scene with airtankers and at least 2 helicopters. More resources are being requested from Cal Fire.
s are in place and can be seen on the Perimeter Map website.
GO NOW ORDERS remain in effect north and northwest of Somersett and north of Verdi.
Residents near the immediate area should remain alert and prepared, as conditions can change rapidly.
GET SET WARNINGS remain in effect on the west side of US 395 for Golden Valley, Lemmon Valley, and Stead.
Those needing to evacuate can go to the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, 1301 Valley Road in Reno. Washoe County Human Services Agency, Allied Security, and American Red Cross of Nevada staff are there ready to assist.
The Hawk fire has also led to warnings in Sierra County, California. See the latest California warnings on the Genesys Map.
DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES:
If you are being evacuated, the Silver Legacy, Eldorado and Circus Circus Reno are offering a $59 room rate with no resort fee.
Call 1-800-223-7277 or book online with code SCLOC26.
J Resort is also offering a $59 discounted rate with no resort free. Use the code HAWK26 when booking online.
ROAD CLOSURES:
North Virginia Street is currently closed between Red Rock Rd. and White Lake Parkway.
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Aug. 22, 2:30 p.m. update:
Reno Fire and Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue crews are fighting a fire burning north of Cold Creek Trail, north of Somersett in west Reno
An additional 10 engines, 2 dozers and 2 hand crews have been requested from CAL FIRE by Incident Command.
So far, the fire has burned an estimated 2,500 acres.
evacuations are in place and can be seen on the Perimeter Map website.
GO NOW ORDERS are in effect north and northwest of Somersett and north of Verdi.
While the majority of the area is unpopulated, residents near the immediate area should remain alert and prepared, as conditions can change rapidly.
GET SET WARNINGS are now in effect on the west side of US 395 for Golden Valley, Lemmon Valley, and Stead.
Hawk Meadow Trail is closed north of Somersett Parkway.
California warnings
The Hawk fire has also led to warnings in Sierra County. See the latest California warnings on the Genesys Map.
