Breathtaking images were captured in Nevada, U.S., as the massive wildfire—which had broken out in the area in the last few hours— spreading rapidly near Reno.

In a video from the fire front, a man can be seen operating heavy machinery while literally surrounded by flames, attempting to create a firebreak to limit the spread of the fire.

The images capture the extremely dangerous conditions under which the battle against the fire is being waged; the fire broke out yesterday, Saturday (August 22) in an area northwest of Rino and spread with astonishing speed.

Watch the video

BREAKING: Chilling footage shows a man surrounded by flames as he uses heavy machinery to create a firebreak while the Hawk Fire burns near Reno, Nevada, U.S., yesterday. pic.twitter.com/h3iKaaEV9N

— World Updates (@Updatesofwworld) August 23, 2026

Over 10,500 hectares were burned in just a few hours

By Saturday evening, the fire had spread to an area of 10,500 hectares — approximately 42.5 square kilometers — as strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation fueled its rapid spread.

The head of the Fire Department described the fire as an extremely “dynamic” incident, explaining that the winds are driving the flames rapidly toward residential areas, significantly hampering the firefighters’ efforts.

Nearly 14,000 homes in evacuation zones

As the fire moved from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada toward Reno, authorities ordered the evacuation of areas containing nearly 14,000 homes. The immediate evacuation zone extended to the outskirts of the University of Nevada, while on Sunday morning the fire’s perimeter remained undefined.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the National Guard, deploying, among other resources, helicopter crews for aerial firefighting and soldiers to secure the evacuated areas.

Sections of US 395 were closed, while thousands of households were left without power due to the fire. Approximately 400 people from various agencies are participating in the firefighting effort.

A
battle to halt the fire’s advance

Against this backdrop, the video showing the heavy machinery operator offers one of the most dramatic images from the fire front: the vehicle moves just a few feet from the flames, creating a firebreak to clear combustible material from the fire’s path.

This is the second major wildfire to strike the Reno area in the span of two weeks, putting even greater pressure on emergency responders.

Evacuations are underway as the Hawk Fire continues to burn through more than 8,000 acres near Somersett, Nevada, threatening North Reno. Golden Valley. pic.twitter.com/qZsHBmpJgT

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) August 23, 2026

With winds remaining a key factor in the fire’s progression, authorities are urging residents to comply with evacuation orders without delay, while firefighters continue the battle to protect people and homes.

Source: Proto Thema