Mariam Ashalem De Andres
23 August 2026•Update: 23 August 2026
A fast-moving wildfire in the western US state of Nevada has grown to more than 10,500 acres as it continues to move toward residential areas, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency, local authorities announced on Sunday.
The Hawk Fire was first reported shortly before 11.30 am (6.30 pm GMT) Saturday near Hawk Meadow Trail, about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) north of Cold Creek Trail in the Somersett area, northwest of Reno, according to local authorities.
The blaze had grown to 10,523 acres by 9.30 pm, as evacuation zones expanded rapidly throughout the day.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the fire threatened homes and structures.
“I have declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as we respond to the Hawk Fire, which is spreading quickly and threatening homes and structures,” Lombardo said.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said the US 395 highway was closed from Parr Boulevard to Red Rock Road because of the fire and urged travelers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
New evacuation orders were also in effect for the Somersett community, including areas north of Somersett Parkway to Robb Drive, as well as neighborhoods north of W. 7th Street to N. McCarran Boulevard, the sheriff’s office said.
Three civilians and three first responders were injured, said Shane Akerson, a unified incident commander with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. About 5,000 people were also without power, he added
The sheriff said the fire was human-caused and urged about 90,000 people to evacuate.
