Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (Aug. 23, 2026) — More than 450 people forced from their homes by the Hawk Fire spent the night at an evacuation shelter at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center staffed by American Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers, alongside Washoe County staff and community partners. More than 200 additional evacuees chose to remain in cars, campers and RVs in the parking lot while still accessing shelter services.
The shelter remains open for people displaced by the fire. Red Cross disaster workers, Washoe County staff and community partners are providing meals, water, health services, emotional support and other care for evacuees waiting to learn when they can return home safely. The Salvation Army provided breakfast at the shelter Sunday morning. Space remains available at the shelter, and if needed, capacity can be expanded at the current location or an additional shelter can be opened.
Shelter location:
Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Hall 4
4590 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89502
“This fire moved quickly and forced hundreds of people to leave their homes with little notice,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada. “Our volunteers will continue to be here for people who need a safe place to stay, something to eat or simply a place to regroup while they wait for more information.”
Red Cross shelters are open to anyone affected by an emergency. No identification is required. People coming to the shelter should bring essential medications, clothing, important documents, chargers and other personal items if possible. Information about open Red Cross shelters is available at redcross.org/Shelters or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Hawk Fire Forces Evacuations Across Washoe County
The Hawk Fire grew rapidly Saturday amid strong winds and dry conditions, forcing widespread evacuations in Washoe County. By early Sunday, the fire had burned more than 10,500 acres and was threatening nearly 1,000 homes.
The fire prompted evacuations in northwest Reno, the Sommersett community and North Valleys Neighborhoods, with evacuation warnings extending across the Nevada-California state line into Sierra County. Highway 395 was closed between Parr Boulevard and Red Rock Road as firefighters worked to slow the spread of the fire and protect nearby communities.
Fire conditions and evacuation areas can change quickly. Residents should follow instructions from local authorities and check the Perimeter Map for the latest evacuation zones, road closures and emergency information. Anyone under an evacuation order should leave immediately, and people in evacuation warning areas should be prepared to leave quickly if conditions change.
Support for Disaster Relief Efforts
Community support can help families facing disasters, including those recovering from the wildfires in Northern Nevada. Contributions to Red Cross Disaster Relief provide shelter, food and other critical support to people in need. These donations also help the Red Cross prepare for and respond to future disasters. To donate, visit redcross.org/Donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999.
Download Red Cross Apps
The free Red Cross Emergency App provides weather alerts, shelter locations and disaster safety information. The free Red Cross First Aid App offers step-by-step guidance for common injuries and emergencies. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps to download.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
