Story perspectives

Lombardo Activates National Guard as Hawk Fire Grows

8/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and activated the National Guard.
The Hawk Fire ignited Saturday near Hawk Meadow Trail, burning 15,000 acres northwest of Reno.
Monday, crews contained 27% of the blaze and ordered evacuations of 42,000 residents.
The fire destroyed 32 homes, injured six people—including three first responders—and cut power to 10,000.
Investigators say the blaze was human-caused but have not determined if it was intentional.

History

Historical Context

California’s 2003 Cedar Fire and Nevada’s 2024 Hawk Fire burned forests dominated by western redcedar, a shade-tolerant climax species whose thin bark gives low to moderate fire resistance and historically sees fire intervals of 50-350 years. A 2013 study warned that warmer, drier summers could shorten those cycles, underscoring the growing wildfire risk across the western United States.

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Story summary

Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and activated the National Guard.
The Hawk Fire ignited Saturday near Hawk Meadow Trail, burning 15,000 acres northwest of Reno.
Monday, crews contained 27% of the blaze and ordered evacuations of 42,000 residents.
The fire destroyed 32 homes, injured six people—including three first responders—and cut power to 10,000.
Investigators say the blaze was human-caused but have not determined if it was intentional.

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