RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – The Hawk Fire near Reno has destroyed 47 homes and one commercial building, while firefighters raised containment to 85% late Tuesday. The wildfire covered 15,067 acres after racing through dry terrain northwest of the city since Saturday. Eight additional homes sustained serious damage in the latest completed assessment. No deaths have occurred, while seven people suffered injuries during the fire response. The updated damage count rose significantly from earlier assessments. Crews also held the fire’s overall footprint steady as containment increased.
Washoe County assessment teams finalized an initial survey of neighborhoods affected by the fire on Tuesday. Damage concentrated west of U.S. Highway 395, with fewer properties impacted on the eastern side. Authorities stated canine search teams examined the affected zones and found no signs of victims. Fire officials reported the blaze traveled approximately six miles during its first 24 hours. The swift progression prompted large-scale evacuations across communities north and northwest of Reno. Damage teams continued documenting losses as residents received updates about affected properties.
About 9,300 residents east of U.S. 395 were permitted to return home Tuesday as conditions improved, while roughly 5,000 remained under evacuation orders during the afternoon briefing. Some neighborhoods transitioned from mandatory evacuation to lower alert levels as crews secured containment lines. Road access also reopened after closures disrupted travel through northern Reno. Returning residents faced utility damages, debris, and lingering hot spots near their properties. Officials continued to advise residents to check current evacuation status before entering restricted zones.
Containment Increase Eases Evacuations
Fire crews maintained the Hawk Fire at 15,067 acres while expanding containment along its edges. The number of personnel assigned decreased to 586 late Tuesday as containment improved. Crews persisted in checking for hot spots, reinforcing fire lines, and working around damaged neighborhoods. The response effort earlier brought hundreds of firefighters, engines, helicopters, and additional resources from multiple U.S. states, along with personnel from Australia and New Zealand. The focus remained on strengthening existing containment lines and reducing residual heat within the burn zone.
Officials have identified the Hawk Fire as human-caused, with investigations ongoing to determine its exact origin. No official statement has clarified whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate. The fire started Saturday near the Somersett area and spread rapidly through dry vegetation. Strong winds drove flames toward populated parts of northwest Reno during the initial day. Firefighters gained more control as conditions allowed them to reinforce containment around the perimeter. No further details about the cause of the fire have been released by authorities.
State Agencies Support Firefighting and Recovery Efforts
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County over the weekend. The declaration authorized state agencies to assist local authorities through Nevada’s emergency management system. It facilitated coordination on firefighting, public safety, and recovery operations in communities impacted by the Hawk Fire. State resources supported local crews as evacuation zones expanded and thousands of residents evacuated their homes. The emergency declaration remains in effect until August 29 unless terminated earlier. Emergency operations also backed local agencies managing evacuations, disseminating information, and providing community assistance.
During its progression through Reno, the Hawk Fire damaged approximately 100 wooden utility poles. Utility crews worked to restore power as neighborhoods were reopened for residents. Firefighters continued patrols, damage assessments, and safety inspections around the fire perimeter late Tuesday. Authorities also kept updating evacuation zones as restrictions shifted across the affected areas. The confirmed toll included 47 homes destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost. With containment at 85%, crews remain engaged in suppression efforts and safety measures across the burn zone.