Situational Update
Fires

Wildfires and Smoke in Northern Nevada

08.12.2026

Last Updated 9/2/2026

Wildfires and smoke continue to affect parts of Northern Nevada. The Bug Fire and Stallion Fire remain active but are now largely controlled. A new wildfire the Hawk Fire — which began on August 22 — is mostly controlled and no longer spreading. While these fires are not currently growing, they have recently caused evacuation notices, road closures, and periods of poor air quality across the community. Resources for wildfire preparedness, safety, and air quality information are available below.

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

Evacuations and Closures: While most evacuation areas have reopened, forest closures remain in effect while mop-up, suppression repair, and safety work continue. Roads, trails, and recreation areas within the closure remain closed, and violations may result in fines. Current evacuation and closure information is available on the Perimeter Map.

More information click here: https://emergencywashoe.com/updates/

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

School Resources

See links below for Washoe County School Hawk Fire Recovery Resources.

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.

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.
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.
Food Bank of Northern Nevada
- Help: Daily food distribution locations via their program calendar.
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

EPA – Reduce Your Smoke Exposure: https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/reduce-your-smoke-exposure
CDC – Wildfires and Your Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/about/

Pet and Livestock Safety

CDC – Pet Safety Emergency Preparedness:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/index.html
EPA – Protect Pets from Smoke:
https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/protect-your-pets-wildfire-smoke
EPA – Protect Livestock and Large Animals:
https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/protect-your-large-animals-and-livestock-wildfire-smoke

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.