Burning Man Urges Extra Travel Time as Wildfire Burns Near Reno

Hawk Fire 93 Percent Contained

By Wednesday, the Hawk Fire had burned 15,085 acres and was 93 percent contained, Operations Section Chief Randy Lamb said during a briefing covered by local news. At the same briefing, Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Richard Edwards said 47 homes were destroyed and 14 damaged.

Officials have said the fire was human-caused, and the investigation into who is responsible remains ongoing. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard.

Road Closures Lifted, Travel Guidance Issued

All road closures near the fire, including Highway 395, have since been lifted. Burning Man's statement asked travelers passing through Reno-Sparks to confirm lodging directly with businesses and avoid unofficial routes around closures. It also asked travelers to support local businesses while staying mindful that some resources are serving displaced residents.

Burning Man Project posted a statement to Facebook encouraging attendees to treat neighbors, first responders, hospitality workers and everyone affected by the emergency with patience and care. The organization shared a link to the Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief Fund and a Burners Without Borders page with travel guidance for the region, including the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, whose reservation is separately recovering from the nearby Stallion Fire.

Event Opens Next Week

The event is set to open August 30 and run through September 7 in Nevada's Black Rock Desert.