RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – By late Tuesday, firefighters had increased the containment of the Hawk Fire near Reno to 85%, having destroyed 47 homes and a commercial building. The wildfire, which expanded rapidly through arid terrain northwest of the city, burned a total of 15,067 acres. During the blaze, eight additional homes sustained significant damage. Seven individuals, including firefighters, were injured, but officials confirmed that there were no fatalities. This updated property damage tally follows a comprehensive assessment of affected neighborhoods since the fire started on Saturday.
Washoe County teams surveyed the impacted zones and documented recent losses across communities near the fire area. Most destruction occurred west of U.S. Highway 395, where the fire moved through densely populated regions during its initial spread. Search teams examined affected properties and found no evidence of additional victims. Officials reported the fire traveled approximately six miles in its first 24 hours. Rapid flames prompted evacuation orders in neighborhoods north and northwest of Reno.
On Tuesday afternoon, roughly 9,300 residents east of U.S. 395 were permitted to return home as fire conditions improved. However, around 5,000 people remained under evacuation orders. Authorities eased restrictions in several areas as firefighting crews secured more of the fire’s perimeter. Some roads reopened after closures hampered travel around northern Reno. Returning residents faced damaged utilities, burned properties, and zones still under firefighter patrols and safety inspections.
Containment Progress Grows as Residents Return
The fire crews maintained the Hawk Fire’s size at 15,067 acres while expanding containment lines around its edge. According to officials, 586 personnel were assigned to the incident late Tuesday, a reduction from earlier in the response when larger teams were deployed. Crews continued searching for hotspots and strengthening containment lines near affected neighborhoods. The response involved engines, aircraft, and firefighting teams from multiple U.S. states, with personnel from Australia and New Zealand also contributing as efforts extended across the northern Nevada fire zone.
Investigators have determined the Hawk Fire was caused by human activity, though they have not disclosed whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate. The fire began Saturday near the Somersett area and rapidly spread through dry vegetation. Strong winds initially drove flames toward communities in northwest Reno. As conditions improved, firefighters gained more control and expanded containment lines. Further details about the exact source of the fire have yet to be released by authorities.
Ongoing Emergency Operations Across the Burn Zone
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo issued a state of emergency for Washoe County during the weekend, as evacuation efforts intensified. The declaration directed state resources to support local firefighting, public safety, and recovery activities. Emergency agencies coordinated assistance for residents who evacuated and for crews working in damaged areas. This declaration is scheduled to remain in effect through August 29 unless it is terminated sooner. State and local officials continued managing evacuation information and access to affected neighborhoods.
The Hawk Fire also impacted power infrastructure, with about 100 wooden utility poles along its path damaged. Utility crews worked to restore power as more residents returned to areas that reopened. Firefighters remained on patrol Tuesday, inspecting damaged properties and monitoring conditions near containment lines. Authorities continued adjusting evacuation zones as access improved. The confirmed toll indicates 47 homes destroyed, eight homes severely damaged, and one commercial building lost, with containment steady at 85%.