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In the American West, wildfire comes for the suburbs

Somersett, a short drive from downtown Reno, Nevada, is a peaceful place where homes with sweeping, high-desert views line cul-de-sacs, and

Portrait of Priya Raman
Housing & Development · August 28, 2026
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In the American West, wildfire comes for the suburbs
In the American West, wildfire comes for the suburbs

Somersett, a short drive from downtown Reno, Nevada, is a peaceful place where homes with sweeping, high-desert views line cul-de-sacs, and roads meander through shrubland, trailheads, and golf courses. But in the summer, months of low humidity and hot weather prime the landscape to burn.

On the morning of August 22, it did. In just a few days, strong winds carried the flames of the Hawk Fire more than 23 miles, placing some 90,000 people on evacuation notice as dense smoke and orange skies blanketed the city.

First reported by Grist.

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