US: Hawk Fire spreads across Nevada’s Washoe County, forces evacuations.

RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “RENO FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION” HANDOUT —EDITORIAL USE ONLY— SHOTLIST WASHOE COUNTY, NEVADA, US (AUG. 22, 2026) (RENO FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION - RESTRICTED) 1. AIRCRAFT DROPPING RED FIRE RETARDANT OVER HAWK FIREWASHOE COUNTY, NEVADA, US (AUG. 22 - RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “RENO FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION” HANDOUT —EDITORIAL USE ONLY—: The Hawk Fire spread rapidly across Nevada’s Washoe County on Saturday, Aug. 22, forcing evacuations and prompting a state of emergency as strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation fueled the blaze. The fire had grown to approximately 10,500 acres by the evening, with about 400 personnel from local, state and federal agencies involved in the response. Ground crews and aircraft continued firefighting operations into the night, with three helicopters assigned to overnight operations. Evacuation orders were expanded to the Somersett community and other threatened areas as firefighters worked to protect homes, structures and critical infrastructure. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office reported widespread road closures, including sections of US 395, as emergency operations continued across the affected area. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and ordered National Guard support. One CH-47 Chinook and one UH-60 Black Hawk aircrew were deployed to support aerial firefighting, while 60 Guard personnel were called in to help law enforcement safeguard evacuated neighborhoods. An evacuation center was moved to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center after the previous site reached capacity. NV Energy implemented emergency power shutoffs affecting up to approximately 60,000 customers in northwest Reno and the North Valleys as the fire approached utility equipment, a measure aimed at reducing the risk of additional ignitions. Authorities urged residents under evacuation orders to leave immediately and asked others to stay away from affected areas to allow emergency crews to continue their response. Writing by Taha Mazi