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Hawk Fire, Burning at Nevada-California Border, Forces Thousands to Evacuate

Direct Relief is communicating with state and local agencies around medical needs from fires currently burning northwest of Reno.

News

Wildfires

Fire crews and local agencies respond to a fast-moving wildfire on the dry hillsides outside Reno, Nevada, on August 22, 2026.
Fire crews and local agencies respond to a fast-moving wildfire on the dry hillsides outside Reno, Nevada, on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Hale Irwin/NurPhoto via AFP)
By Lara Cooper

Fires burning on the Nevada-California border have prompted evacuation orders or warnings for almost 90,000 people as crews work to contain the blazes.

Multiple fires are burning in the area northwest of Reno and have crossed the Nevada-California border area. Public reporting on Aug. 24 placed the fire at more than 15,000 acres with no containment, with approximately 42,000 residents ordered to evacuate and another 45,000 under warning. Six injuries, including three first responders, had been reported.

Smoke Exposure and Health Risks for Displaced People

Wildfires can cause significant health impacts, including interrupting access to medications during displacement; smoke and poor air quality can also worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, with heightened risk for older adults, children, and people living with chronic illnesses.

Direct Relief has reached out to local and state organizations, including the California Office of Emergency Services, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office, the National Association of Community Health Centers, and Washoe County Search and Rescue, about medical needs that may arise as a result of the wildfires. Direct Relief is also in communication with health centers in the area, including Northern Nevada HOPES, which has requested personal care items for displaced people.

Wildfires and Emergency Medical Needs

Direct Relief, based in California with a long history of responding to wildfires in the American West and globally, maintains a stockpile of critical medications and supplies often requested to address health needs during wildfires, including respiratory health medications, N95 respirators, ophthalmic treatments, chronic disease management medications, water purification supplies, personal protective equipment, air purifiers, and more.

The organization will continue to respond to medical needs as they become known.

Hawk Fire 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hawk Fire and where is it burning?

The Hawk Fire is one of multiple fires burning in the area northwest of Reno, crossing the Nevada-California border. As of Aug. 24, public reporting placed the fire at more than 15,000 acres with no containment.

How many people have been evacuated by the Hawk Fire?

The fires have prompted evacuation orders or warnings for almost 90,000 people. Approximately 42,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, with another 45,000 under warning. Six injuries, including three first responders, had been reported.

What is Direct Relief doing in response to the Hawk Fire?

Direct Relief has reached out to local and state organizations, including the California Office of Emergency Services, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office, the National Association of Community Health Centers, and Washoe County Search and Rescue, about medical needs that may arise. Direct Relief is also in communication with area health centers, including Northern Nevada HOPES, which has requested personal care items for displaced people.

What are the health risks of wildfire smoke for displaced people?

Wildfires can interrupt access to medications during displacement, and smoke and poor air quality can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Older adults, children and people living with chronic illnesses face heightened risk. Residents in affected areas can check real-time conditions using AirNow.gov.

What medical supplies does Direct Relief provide during wildfires?

Direct Relief maintains a stockpile of critical medications and supplies often requested during wildfires, including respiratory health medications, N95 respirators, ophthalmic treatments, chronic disease management medications, water purification supplies, personal protective equipment and air purifiers.

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