State of Nevada

Executive Department

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY

THE HAWK FIRE

WHEREAS, Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 414, authorizes the Governor to issue a proclamation declaring a state of emergency when a natural emergency or disaster of major proportions has occurred within this state, and the assistance of state agencies is needed to supplement the efforts and capabilities of political subdivisions to save lives, protect property, and protect the health and safety of persons in this state, particularly through a coordinated response; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada is experiencing widespread fire activity, which has been exacerbated by dry conditions, high temperatures, and severe winds; and

WHEREAS, on August 22, 2026, Washoe County declared a local emergency due to the Hawk Fire, which has burned over 13,000 acres of land and threatens tens of thousands of homes in the Northwest Reno and Stead; and

WHEREAS, over 40,000 people have been evacuated from residential neighborhoods, with thousands of additional residents in evacuation warning zones; and

WHEREAS, Washoe County has opened evacuation centers for displaced residents; and

WHEREAS, significant critical infrastructure is being impacted by the Hawk Fire, including, communication towers, transportation infrastructure, and public utilities; and

WHEREAS, there are several active wildfires within the State, resulting in a severe shortage of available wildland fire resources due to the simultaneous response to multiple incidents; and

WHEREAS, the Nevada Office of Emergency Management has been coordinating with, and supporting, emergency operations in Washoe County as extreme fire conditions continue to impact the region; and

WHEREAS, the Governor has determined that Washoe County is experiencing events that require a coordinated response for the health and safety of the public; and

WHEREAS, Article 5, Section 1 of the Nevada Constitution provides: "The supreme executive power of this State, shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate who shall be Governor of the State of Nevada.”

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Nevada, I hereby declare a state of emergency issued on August 23, 2026, to include the following direction:

1. The Director of the Nevada Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security shall execute the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and
    

2. All state agencies shall work through the Nevada Emergency Operations Center to supplement the efforts and capabilities of politico/ subdivisions to save lives, protect property, and protect the health and safety of persons in this state, and
    

3. The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security shall work with the Nevada Division of Forestry and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support Washoe County, and
    

4. This state of emergency shall exist until August 29, 2026, unless terminated sooner if conditions improve.
    

5. The emergency area is defined as areas impacted by the Hawk Fire in Washoe County.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand 
and caused the Great Seal of the State of Nevada to be 
affixed at the State Capitol in Carson City, this 23rd day 
of August, in the year two thousand twenty-six.
 

Joe Lombardo
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Governor
 

Francisco Aguilar
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Secretary of State
 

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Deputy