RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – The Hawk Fire near Reno has resulted in the loss of 47 homes and one commercial building, with firefighters reaching 85% containment late Tuesday. The wildfire expanded over 15,067 acres after swiftly moving through dry terrain northwest of the city since Saturday. Recent assessments indicated that eight additional homes suffered severe damage. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities, though seven individuals sustained injuries during firefighting efforts. The total damage estimate increased significantly from earlier reports. While containment improved, crews kept the fire’s overall footprint steady.
Washoe County damage assessment teams completed an initial survey of neighborhoods affected by the fire on Tuesday. The highest losses were observed west of U.S. Highway 395, with fewer structures impacted on the eastern side. Authorities reported that canine search teams checked the affected areas and found no signs of victims. Fire officials noted that the blaze traveled roughly six miles during its first 24 hours. The rapid spread prompted large-scale evacuations across communities north and northwest of Reno. Damage teams continued documenting the destruction as residents received updates about impacted properties.
On Tuesday afternoon, authorities permitted approximately 9,300 residents east of U.S. 395 to return home as conditions improved. Meanwhile, 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 disrupted travel through the northern Reno region. Returning residents encountered damaged utilities, debris, and remaining hotspots near affected homes. Officials continued to advise residents to check current evacuation alerts before entering restricted zones.
Containment increase brings relief as evacuations ease
The firefighting team maintained the Hawk Fire at 15,067 acres while expanding containment along its perimeter. The number of personnel assigned to the effort dropped to 586 late Tuesday, coinciding with the increased containment. Teams persisted in checking hot spots, reinforcing fire lines, and working around affected neighborhoods. The response effort had earlier mobilized hundreds of firefighters, engines, helicopters, and additional resources from multiple U.S. states, as well as from Australia and New Zealand. The main goal was to secure existing lines and reduce residual heat within the burned zone.
Investigators continue examining the cause of the Hawk Fire, which authorities have classified as human-related. No official statement has been issued regarding whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate. The fire started Saturday near the Somersett area and quickly spread through dry vegetation. During the first day, strong winds carried flames toward populated sections of northwest Reno. As weather conditions improved, crews gained better control and strengthened containment around the fire’s perimeter. No additional details regarding the origin of the blaze have been released.
State agencies support firefighting efforts through emergency declaration
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County over the weekend. This order directed state agencies to assist local operations through Nevada’s emergency management system, coordinating firefighting, safety, and recovery efforts in impacted communities. State resources aided local crews as evacuation zones expanded, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. The emergency declaration remains valid until August 29 unless terminated earlier. It also facilitated community assistance, public information dissemination, and evacuation management.
During its progression through the Reno area, the Hawk Fire damaged approximately 100 wooden utility poles. Utility crews worked to restore power as neighborhoods were reopened for residents. Firefighters continued conducting patrols, damage inspections, and safety assessments around the fire’s perimeter late Tuesday. Officials also maintained updated evacuation zones as restrictions shifted across the affected region. The confirmed damages include 47 homes destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost. With containment at 85%, teams remain deployed across the zone to support suppression efforts and ensure safety.