Hawk Fire Destroys Reno Homes, But Burning Man Community Rallies
RENO, NV — A fast-moving wildfire has turned lives upside down in northwest Reno, but the American spirit of neighbor helping neighbor is burning brighter than the flames. The Hawk Fire, which ignited Saturday, has scorched over 15,000 acres and destroyed at least 32 homes, forcing roughly 90,000 people to evacuate.
Among those who lost everything is Lars Mintz, a 27-year-old Reno resident and devoted Burning Man attendee. He lived in a camper van that held his entire life, including irreplaceable mementos and his grandmother's ashes. It's all gone now.
What happened to Lars Mintz and his camper van?
Mintz was driving home from his job at a children's ski area when a neighbor called with the devastating news. Peavine Mountain was burning, and so was everything he owned. He told SFGATE he initially thought firefighters would get it under control. Then reality set in.
“It's gone and it's time to rebuild now,” Mintz said.
The fire, which officials say is “human-caused,” has also damaged more than 100 power lines. One Peavine Mountain resident lost a home he'd owned for over two decades. Another family is without power and water after the fire tore through their property.
How is the Burning Man community responding?
This is where the story gets good. Without Mintz's knowledge, a friend posted about his loss on Facebook. Fellow Burners rallied around him. On Monday, a complete stranger who also lost belongings in the fire offered Mintz and his girlfriend extra tickets to Black Rock City.
They're now planning to share resources and figure it out together. That's the American way.
“We're all gonna figure it out together,” Mintz said.
Some Burners already in Reno are riding motorcycles through the burn area to deliver gas to stranded people. Others are offering their campers to those with nowhere to go. This is what real community looks like, not government handouts.
Will the Hawk Fire impact Burning Man 2026?
The gates open Aug. 30 at midnight, and the event runs through Sept. 7. Many Burners stop in Reno to stock up on supplies. Local businesses depend on that revenue. Despite the disaster, the show will go on.
Mintz remains hopeful. He calls the Burning Man community “wholesome” and unlike anything he's experienced elsewhere.
“The more I look at it and the more that I see that I'm receiving help from the community, it's kind of like my material world got a lot lighter,” Mintz said. “It'll be a rebuilding process.”
FAQ: Hawk Fire and Burning Man
How big is the Hawk Fire?
The fire has grown to 15,051 acres with 27% containment as of Monday afternoon. It has destroyed at least 32 homes and damaged over 100 power lines.
What caused the Hawk Fire?
Fire officials say the blaze is “human-caused.” An investigation is ongoing.
How many people have been evacuated?
Approximately 90,000 people have been forced to evacuate the area as the fire rips through homes and businesses.
Is Burning Man still happening?
Yes. The gates open Aug. 30 at midnight, and the event runs through Sept. 7. The community is rallying to support those affected by the fire.