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 completed an initial sweep of fire-affected neighborhoods on Tuesday. The damages were concentrated west of U.S. Highway 395, with fewer properties affected on the eastern side. Canine search teams checked the impacted areas and found no signs of victims, according to authorities. The blaze traveled approximately six miles during its first 24 hours, forcing large-scale evacuations in communities north and northwest of Reno. As residents received updates on the affected properties, damage assessment teams continued to document the losses.
Residents east of U.S. 395 were allowed to return home Tuesday, as conditions improved. About 5,000 individuals remained under evacuation orders during the afternoon briefing. Some neighborhoods transitioned from mandatory evacuation to lower alert levels as crews secured containment lines. Travel disruptions eased with road access reopening after closures had previously impacted the northern Reno area. Returning residents faced damaged utilities, debris, and lingering hot spots near affected properties. Officials continue to direct the public to current evacuation information before entering restricted zones.
Containment increases, evacuations decrease
The fire team maintained the Hawk Fire at 15,067 acres while expanding containment around its perimeter. As containment grew late Tuesday, the number of personnel assigned to fire suppression decreased to 586. Crews focused on checking hot spots, reinforcing fire lines, and working within neighborhoods that suffered damage. The firefighting effort earlier involved hundreds of firefighters, engines, helicopters, and other resources from multiple U.S. states, as well as personnel from Australia and New Zealand. The primary goal was to secure existing containment lines and reduce residual heat within the burned area.
Investigators are still examining the cause of the Hawk Fire, which authorities have classified as human-caused. They have yet to specify whether the ignition was accidental or intentional. The fire ignited Saturday near the Somersett area and quickly spread through dry vegetation. Strong winds pushed flames toward populated parts of northwest Reno on the first day. As conditions improved, firefighters gained better control, allowing them to strengthen containment measures. No additional details regarding the source of the ignition have been released.
State agencies bolster wildfire response efforts
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo issued a state of emergency declaration for Washoe County during the weekend. This measure directed state agencies to assist local firefighting and recovery efforts through Nevada’s emergency management system. It also facilitated coordination on firefighting, public safety, and community recovery in areas affected by the Hawk Fire. State resources supported local teams as evacuation zones expanded and thousands of residents evacuated their homes. The emergency declaration is set to remain in effect until August 29 unless terminated earlier by authorities. Emergency operations continue to support local agencies managing evacuations, disseminating information, and providing community assistance.
During its advance through Reno, the Hawk Fire damaged roughly 100 wooden utility poles, affecting power infrastructure. Utility crews are working to restore service as residents return to their neighborhoods. Firefighters continued patrols, damage inspections, and safety checks around the perimeter late Tuesday. Authorities also kept updating evacuation zones as restrictions changed across the affected area. The confirmed toll includes 47 homes destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost. With containment at 85%, crews remain engaged in suppression and safety activities within the fire zone.