RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – By late Tuesday, firefighters had increased containment of the Hawk Fire near Reno to 85%, after destroying 47 homes and one commercial structure. The wildfire spread rapidly across 15,067 acres through dry terrain northwest of the city, with eight additional homes suffering severe damage during the incident. Seven individuals, including firefighters, were injured, though officials confirmed there were no fatalities. This update on property loss was made after a comprehensive review of neighborhoods impacted since the fire’s start on Saturday.
Washoe County authorities surveyed the affected regions, recording the latest damages across communities near the fire zone. The majority of destruction occurred west of U.S. Highway 395, where the flames initially swept through populated areas. Search crews inspected affected properties and found no signs of additional victims. The fire traveled approximately six miles during its first 24 hours, with rapid progression prompting evacuation orders for neighborhoods north and northwest of Reno.
As fire conditions improved, about 9,300 residents east of U.S. 395 were allowed to return home Tuesday. Meanwhile, roughly 5,000 people remained under evacuation orders during an afternoon briefing. Authorities eased restrictions in several zones as firefighters secured more of the fire boundary. Some roads reopened after closures had disrupted travel around northern Reno. Returning residents faced utilities that were damaged, properties that were burned, and areas still under patrol and safety checks by firefighters.
Containment progresses as residents resume their routines
The Hawk Fire’s size remained at 15,067 acres, with containment expanding around its perimeter. Officials reported that late Tuesday, 586 personnel were assigned to the incident, a decrease from earlier deployment levels. Teams continued to search for hot spots and strengthen containment lines around affected neighborhoods. The firefighting effort involved engines, aircraft, and teams from multiple U.S. states, with personnel from Australia and New Zealand also participating as crews operated across northern Nevada’s fire zone.
While the fire has been determined to be human-caused, authorities have not specified whether it was accidental or deliberate. The fire ignited Saturday near the Somersett area and quickly spread through dry vegetation. Strong winds during the initial stages propelled flames toward communities northwest of Reno. Firefighters later gained control as conditions improved and containment lines expanded. No further details have been released regarding the precise origin of the fire.
Emergency efforts ongoing across the affected area
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County over the weekend as evacuations intensified. The declaration directed state resources toward firefighting, public safety, and recovery efforts. Emergency officials coordinated support for residents leaving their homes and for crews working in damaged neighborhoods. The emergency declaration is set to stay in effect until August 29 unless revoked sooner. State and local agencies continued managing evacuation zones and access to affected communities.
The Hawk Fire also impacted power infrastructure, including roughly 100 wooden utility poles along its path. Utility crews worked diligently to restore electrical service as more residents returned to areas now open. Firefighters remained on patrol Tuesday while teams inspected damaged properties and monitored conditions near containment lines. Authorities adjusted evacuation zones as access improved, confirming that 47 homes had been destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost, with containment holding steady at 85%.