Organizers of the Burning Man festival have issued an urgent warning to tens of thousands of attendees en route to the Nevada desert, as the Hawk Fire continues to rage and impact communities along a primary route to the event. Festivalgoers traveling through the Reno area are being advised to consider delaying their arrival as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
The warning comes just days before the Black Rock City festival is set to open in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, with tens of thousands of participants expected to arrive between August 30 and September 7. The journey to the remote location, however, has become complicated by the wildfire.
The Hawk Fire has consumed over 15,000 acres northwest of Reno, leading to the destruction of at least 32 homes and damage to six others. As of Monday, approximately 23,000 people remained under evacuation orders, with an additional 40,000 on notice to prepare for potential evacuation. Four civilians and three firefighters have sustained injuries. Over 900 personnel are engaged in battling the fire, which was reported to be 27% contained.
Burning Man organizers have requested that festivalgoers avoid interfering with emergency response efforts and to show patience toward displaced residents and emergency workers. Travelers are also being instructed to verify lodging reservations and to make supply stops at locations distant from evacuation zones. Organizers have cautioned attendees against attempting unofficial detours around road closures, noting that conditions, including the status of highways like US Route 395, can change rapidly. While US Route 395 had reopened in both directions as of Monday, areas east of the highway remain under mandatory evacuation orders.
The disruptions could significantly affect the annual pilgrimage, as many attendees typically pass through Reno to acquire essential supplies such as food, fuel, and camping gear before heading north to Black Rock City. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center, a venue frequently used by travelers, has been converted into an evacuation site for those fleeing the fire.
Burning Man organizers have not announced any plans to cancel or postpone the festival. Attendees are being advised to monitor conditions closely and prepare for potential travel adjustments and extended journeys.