RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – The Hawk Fire near Reno has resulted in the destruction of 47 homes and one commercial building, while firefighters increased containment to 85% late Tuesday. Covering 15,067 acres, the wildfire advanced through dry terrain northwest of the city since Saturday. In the latest assessment, eight additional homes were found to be seriously damaged. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities, though seven individuals sustained injuries during firefighting efforts. The updated damage tally marked a significant rise from earlier reports. Meanwhile, crews managed to keep the fire’s overall size steady as containment efforts progressed.
Washoe County assessment teams completed an initial survey of neighborhoods affected by the fire on Tuesday. Damage was concentrated west of U.S. Highway 395, with fewer properties affected on the eastern side. Authorities reported that canine search teams examined the areas and found no signs of victims. Fire officials indicated the blaze traveled approximately six miles within its first 24 hours, prompting large-scale evacuations across communities north and northwest of Reno. Damage assessment teams continued documenting losses as residents received updates about the impacted properties.
On Tuesday afternoon, authorities permitted roughly 9,300 residents east of U.S. 395 to return home as conditions improved. However, around 5,000 people remained under evacuation orders. Some neighborhoods transitioned from mandatory evacuation to lower alert levels as crews secured containment lines. Road access also improved after closures had disrupted travel in the northern Reno region. Returning residents faced utility damages, debris, and remaining hot spots near their properties. Officials continued to advise residents to check current evacuation information before entering restricted zones.
Containment increases, evacuations decrease
Firefighters maintained the Hawk Fire at 15,067 acres while expanding containment along its perimeter. The number of personnel assigned to the effort decreased to 586 late Tuesday as containment efforts intensified. Crews continued to inspect hot spots, reinforce fire lines, and address damage in affected neighborhoods. The response effort earlier drew hundreds of firefighters, engines, helicopters, and other resources from multiple U.S. states, as well as personnel from Australia and New Zealand. The main focus remains on strengthening existing containment lines and reducing residual heat within the burned area.
The fire has been classified as human-caused, with investigators still examining the origin of the blaze. No official statement has been made regarding whether the ignition was accidental or intentional. Starting Saturday near the Somersett area, the fire spread rapidly through dry vegetation, with strong winds pushing flames toward populated parts of northwest Reno on the first day. As conditions eased, firefighters gained better control and strengthened containment efforts around the perimeter. No additional details about the cause of the fire have been released.
State mobilizes resources to support wildfire fight
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County over the weekend. The declaration authorized state agencies to assist local efforts through Nevada’s emergency management system. It also facilitated coordination for firefighting, public safety, and recovery operations within affected communities. State resources have played a key role as evacuation zones expanded and thousands of residents evacuated their homes. The emergency declaration remains active through August 29 unless terminated earlier by authorities. Additionally, emergency operations have supported local agencies in managing evacuations, public information, and community aid efforts.
During its progression through the Reno area, the Hawk Fire damaged roughly 100 wooden utility poles, impacting power infrastructure. Utility crews have been working to restore service as residents return to neighborhoods that have reopened. Firefighters continued patrols, damage assessments, and safety inspections around the fire perimeter late Tuesday. Authorities also updated evacuation zones as restrictions changed across the affected region. The confirmed toll stands at 47 homes destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost. With containment now at 85%, crews remain dedicated to suppression efforts and safety operations across the fire zone.