"The Hawk fire’s explosive growth—over 12,000 acres in just 48 hours—demonstrates a rapid escalation that required a large deployment of 720–816 personnel and significant financial resources, highlighting the potential impact on nearby communities and the need for swift containment efforts."
The Hawk wildfire, located 5 miles north of Reno in Washoe County, Nevada, was first discovered on August 22, 2026, and is caused by human activity. The fire rapidly expanded from 2,500 acres on the evening of its discovery to 15,051 acres by August 24, with a peak of 15,040 acres reported later that day. By August 25, containment had increased to 27% with 816 personnel on the scene, while the fire behavior shifted from extreme, wind‑driven runs to minimal, smoldering activity. The incident remains active, with an estimated cost of $6,000,000 and ongoing monitoring by the NIFC.
Official source description: 5 Miles N from Reno, NV
Moderate; Creeping; Isolated Torching
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Reno-Sparks. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
Residents in the vicinity should remain alert to changing fire conditions; as the fire behavior has shifted to minimal, smoldering, general wildfire safety precautions still apply, including staying informed through local authorities and avoiding outdoor activities that could spark new fires.
IRWIN ID: {D11B03E5-0A65-4618-B493-56BABF82A834}
Discovered: Aug 22, 2026
Cause: Human
Est. Cost to Date: $6,685,511
Coordinates: 39.5425, -119.9523
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in NV.
The Hawk Fire has burned 15,067 acres as of August 26, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Hawk Fire is 85% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Human.
The Hawk Fire is burning in Washoe, NV.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Hawk Fire remains active.
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