RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – As of late Tuesday, firefighters increased containment of the Hawk Fire near Reno to 85%, having previously destroyed 47 homes and a commercial building. Spanning 15,067 acres, the wildfire rapidly advanced through dry terrain northwest of the city. During the blaze, eight additional homes sustained significant damage. Seven individuals, including firefighters, were injured, but officials confirmed there were no fatalities. The updated count of affected properties followed a comprehensive assessment of neighborhoods impacted since the fire’s start on Saturday.
Washoe County teams examined damaged areas and documented the latest losses across communities in the vicinity of the fire zone. Most of the destruction was concentrated west of U.S. Highway 395, where the fire initially spread through populated regions. Search teams examined affected properties and found no signs of additional victims. Officials indicated that the fire traveled approximately six miles within the first 24 hours. The swift-moving flames led to evacuation orders across neighborhoods north and northwest of Reno.
On Tuesday afternoon, about 9,300 residents east of U.S. 395 were permitted to return home as firefighting conditions improved. Meanwhile, approximately 5,000 people remained under evacuation orders. Authorities eased restrictions in several areas as crews expanded containment lines and secured more of the fire perimeter. Several roads reopened after closures had disrupted travel around northern Reno. Returning residents faced utilities that had been damaged, properties burned, and areas still under patrols and safety inspections by firefighters.
Residents return as containment progresses
While the Hawk Fire remained at 15,067 acres, containment around its perimeter continued to increase. Officials reported a deployment of 586 personnel on the incident late Tuesday, a reduction from earlier, larger responses. Fire crews persisted in searching for hotspots and strengthening fire lines around affected neighborhoods. The response involved engines, aircraft, and firefighting teams from multiple U.S. states, with personnel from Australia and New Zealand also joining efforts as crews operated across the northern Nevada fire zone.
The fire is classified as human-caused by investigators, although authorities have not confirmed whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate. It ignited Saturday near the Somersett area and rapidly spread through dry vegetation, aided by strong winds that pushed flames toward communities in northwest Reno during its initial phase. Firefighters gained more control as conditions improved and containment lines expanded. Further details about the precise origin of the fire have not been released by officials.
Ongoing emergency operations across the affected areas
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County over the weekend as evacuations intensified. This declaration mobilized state resources to support firefighting efforts, public safety measures, and recovery activities. Emergency officials coordinated assistance for residents who evacuated and for crews working within damaged communities. The emergency declaration is expected to stay in effect through August 29 unless terminated earlier by authorities. State and local agencies continued to manage evacuation information and access to neighborhoods impacted by the fire.
The Hawk Fire also caused damage to power infrastructure, including approximately 100 wooden utility poles along its path. Utility crews worked to restore service as more residents returned to areas that had been reopened. Firefighters remained on patrol Tuesday, inspecting damaged properties and monitoring conditions near containment lines. Authorities adjusted evacuation zones as access improved. The confirmed toll remains at 47 homes destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost, with containment holding at 85%.