RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – Late Tuesday, firefighters increased containment of the Hawk Fire near Reno to 85%, after destroying 47 homes and one commercial building. The wildfire spread swiftly across 15,067 acres through dry terrain northwest of the city, with eight additional homes suffering significant damage. Seven individuals, including firefighters, sustained injuries, though authorities confirmed there were no fatalities. This latest property tally results from an expanded assessment of neighborhoods impacted since the fire began on Saturday.
Washoe County teams examined affected areas and documented recent losses across communities near the fire zone. Most destruction was concentrated west of U.S. Highway 395, where the flames initially moved through populated regions. Search teams checked the affected properties and found no evidence of additional victims. Officials indicated the fire traveled approximately six miles during its first 24 hours. The rapid spread led to evacuation orders across neighborhoods north and northwest of Reno.
On Tuesday afternoon, roughly 9,300 residents east of U.S. 395 were allowed to return home as firefighting conditions improved. Meanwhile, about 5,000 individuals remained under evacuation orders, and authorities eased restrictions in several areas as crews secured more of the fire perimeter. Some roads reopened after closures that had disrupted travel around northern Reno. Returning residents faced utility damages, burned properties, and areas still under firefighter patrols and safety inspections.
Fire containment expands as locals go back home
While the Hawk Fire remains at 15,067 acres, containment around the perimeter has increased. Officials reported that late Tuesday, 586 personnel were assigned to the incident, a reduction from earlier deployment levels. Crews continued to search for hot spots and reinforce containment lines around affected neighborhoods. The firefighting operation involved engines, aircraft, and teams from multiple U.S. states. Additionally, personnel from Australia and New Zealand joined efforts as crews worked across the northern Nevada fire zone.
Although investigators have determined the Hawk Fire was human-caused, authorities have not disclosed whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate. The fire originated Saturday near the Somersett area and rapidly spread through dry vegetation. Strong winds initially pushed flames toward communities in northwest Reno. As conditions improved, firefighters gained better control and expanded containment lines. No further details regarding the exact source of the fire have been provided by officials.
Response efforts continue across the affected area
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County during the weekend as evacuations broadened. The declaration mobilized state resources to support local firefighting, public safety, and recovery efforts. Emergency officials coordinated assistance for residents evacuating their homes and for crews working within damaged communities. The emergency declaration is set to remain active through August 29 unless officials decide to end it sooner. Additionally, state and local teams continued managing evacuation updates and neighborhood access.
The Hawk Fire also caused damage to power infrastructure, including roughly 100 wooden utility poles along its path. Utility crews worked to restore power as more residents returned to areas reopened. Firefighters remained on patrol Tuesday while teams examined damaged properties and monitored conditions near containment lines. Authorities continued adjusting evacuation zones as access improved. The confirmed damage included 47 homes destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost, with containment maintaining at 85%.