Natural disasters cause loss, devastation, and displacement, which affects our members as well as their colleagues and students personally, professionally, and academically. While we are still unsure of the overall impact from wildfires, many individuals have already been significantly impacted in countless ways.
As part of our commitment to supporting our members across California and Nevada, WACAC wants to hear from anyone who has been affected — personally or professionally — by these events. Please share with us how we can help you navigate these challenging times in ways that align with our Mission Statement.
Reno Fire Updated Sept. 11, 2026
Supporting Our Community Through the Hawk Fire
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the Hawk Fire, which broke out near Reno on August 22, 2026, and impacted the Washoe County community, including students, families, and colleagues at the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College. Evacuations at the height of the fire reached the edge of the UNR campus, and dozens of homes were lost.
Resources for Students & Families
University of Nevada, Reno — Dean of Students Office Support, guidance, and help finding temporary housing for students affected by the fire.
Weekdays (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.): (775) 682-6846
Weekend line (Dean of Students Leilani Kupo): (775) 784-4296
Updates page: unr.edu — University Updates on the Hawk Fire
Truckee Meadows Community College — Student Resources General student support services hub.
- tmcc.edu/students
Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) System-wide office overseeing UNR, TMCC, and Nevada’s other public colleges.
- nshe.nevada.edu
Washoe County / Nevada Office of Emergency Management — Recovery Resources Includes FEMA-related recovery information for the federally declared emergency in Washoe County.
A Note on Admissions Flexibility
Unlike some past wildfire events, we have not yet seen public announcements from Nevada or California institutions regarding extended application deadlines, fee waivers, or other admissions accommodations specifically tied to the Hawk Fire. If your institution is offering flexibility for affected applicants, please let us know so we can include it here — and if you are a counselor working with a displaced senior, we’d recommend reaching out directly to admissions offices, as accommodations are often made case-by-case even when not formally publicized.