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  • Situational Update
  • Fires

Wildfires and Smoke in Northern Nevada

  • 08.12.2026

Last Updated 8/27/2026

Wildfires and smoke are once again affecting parts of Northern Nevada. The Bug Fire and Stallion Fire remain active but are now largely controlled. A new wildfire — the Hawk Fire — began on August 22 and is affecting various areas within Washoe County. Northern Nevada fires are causing evacuation notices and road closures across the community and may lead to poor air quality due to smoke.

For the most current information and resources, please visit: https://www.oem.nv.gov/wildfire-info-2026/

Resources for Hawk, Bug, & Stallion Fire Updates and Evacuees

Evacuation Maps

Local Incident Updates

Local Social Media Platforms providing updates including evacuation notifications on X, Facebook, and Instagram: 

  • Washoe County (@washoecountynv)
  • City of Reno (@cityofreno)
  • Reno Fire Department (@RenoFireDept)
  • Stay Local Reno (@staylocal.reno)
  • Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue (@TMFPD)

Nevada Department of Emergency Management

Road closures, power outage information, and statewide emergency updates:

Updated Fire Size, Containment and Behavior

Current Evacuation & Shelter Resources

Full list available here: https://emergencywashoe.com/updates/

  • Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Hall 4
    • 4590 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502
    • Access the evacuation center from Kietzke Lane and enter through Door 20F on the Kietzke side.
  • Small Animal Evacuations:
    • Washoe County Regional Animal Services: 2825 Longley Lane, Reno, NV 89502
    • Accepting small pets from red zone evacuation areas only.
  • Large Animal Evacuations:
    • Ironwood Event Center: 5600 Whiskey Springs Road, Reno, NV 89510.

Road Closures and Energy Outages

Road closures may impact travel in northwest Reno, Cold Springs, and nearby areas. For the most current list of closures, please check the Perimeter Map: https://perimetermap.com/data/142-162943-polygon/

Power outages may also occur in areas affected by fire or heavy smoke. For current outage information and preparedness tips, visit: https://maps.nvenergy.com/outagemap/index.html

Hawk Fire Community Meeting

Hawk Fire Community Meeting: The public is invited to attend a Hawk Fire Community Meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Location: O’Brien Middle School
5000 Silver Lake Road
Reno, NV 89506 (O’Brien Middle School)

Fire managers and local leaders will provide the latest information on the Hawk Fire, answer questions, and share available resources for residents. Affected residents and community members are encouraged to attend.

School Closures

For the most up-to-date information on school closures, transportation changes, and Washoe County School District (WCSD) emergency notifications, visit:

Food Replacement Options for Hawk Fire- Affected Residents

If you’ve been impacted by the Hawk Fire and lost food due to evacuations or fire-related power outages, several organizations are providing food replacement and emergency meals.

  1. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada – Downtown Client Choice Food Pantry and Essentials Closet
    • Location: 435 Eureka Ave, Reno, NV
      • Regular Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-noon & 1pm – 3pm.
      • Extended Hours: Wed & Thurs, Aug 26-27, 3pm – 5pm.
      • Helps Replace: Dairy, juice, fresh fruit/vegetables, meat, frozen meals, plus pantry staples and household essentials.
      • Requirements: Bring ID or proof of residence in an impacted area.
  2. Red Cross – Reno Sparks Convention Center Evacuation Shelter
    • Location: 4590 E. Peckham Lane, Reno
      • Meals Available: No need to stay overnight; anyone affected can visit for meals and other assistance.
      • Encouragement: Register with the Red Cross to help track needs.
  3. Food Bank of Northern Nevada
    • Help: Daily food distribution locations via their program calendar.
  4. SNAP Recipients
    • Food loss reporting: Contact your local Division of Social Services or call 775-684-7200 to report food loss from the August 2026 wildfires or power outages.

Air Quality and Your Health

Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and can make it harder to breathe. Children, older adults, people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease; and pregnant people are especially at risk from smoke exposure.

To protect your health:

Check current air quality:

Checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) where you live at:

Limit smoke exposure:

  • Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Avoid burning candles or using gas/propane appliances indoors when possible.
  • Use air purifiers or HVAC systems with clean filters.
  • Plan outdoor activities based on air quality levels and avoid strenuous exercise when smoke is present or when air quality is poor.

Additional Resources for General Safety

Pet and Livestock Safety

Other Fire Health & Safety Information

The Office of State Epidemiology is recommending that everyone, regardless of where they live, have an emergency kit with a three-day supply of essential items. Store your supplies in waterproof containers that are easily accessible and transportable.

Recommended supplies in a basic emergency supply kit should include:

  • Water: one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation
  • Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit including a three-day supply of prescription medications
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air
  • Moist towelettes for sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Sturdy shoes and extra clothing, coats and blankets
  • Three-day supply of pet food
  • Cash
  • Unique or special needs (diapers, formula, medications, etc.)

Fire information to protect your personal health and safety

Frozen and Refrigerated Foods

Your refrigerator will keep foods cool for about 4 hours without power if the doors are not opened.

If your refrigerator or freezer is without power for a long period:

  • Divide your frozen foods among friends if they have power;
  • Seek freezer space in a store, church, school, or commercial freezer that has power; or
  • Use dry ice (25 lbs of dry ice will keep a 10 cubic foot freezer below freezing for 3-4 days). Thawed food can usually be eaten if the food is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder or if it still contains ice crystals.
  • Remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.” A wide variety of food borne illnesses can result from improperly stored and contaminated foods.

Other Hazards

Animals

Make a plan for where you will take your animals and pets if you are affected by a fire. Ensure there is food and water for them in your emergency supply kit. Many wild animals may be displaced due to fires as well as domesticated animals that will be forced into new environments. These displaced and disoriented animals can be dangerous. Do not corner an animal.

Chemical Hazards

Always use extreme caution when around chemicals and hazardous materials, especially during or after a fire. Fires may have exposed hazardous chemicals or created hazardous conditions. Items like propane tanks and car batteries can cause explosions, or electrical shock.