RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – As of late Tuesday, firefighters increased the containment of the Hawk Fire near Reno to 85%, having already destroyed 47 homes and one commercial building. The wildfire scorched 15,067 acres after spreading swiftly across dry terrain northwest of the city. During the incident, eight additional homes sustained severe damage. Seven individuals, including firefighters, were injured, but officials confirmed there were no fatalities. The updated property loss tally reflects a broader assessment of neighborhoods impacted since the fire began on Saturday.
Washoe County teams examined the damaged areas and documented the latest destruction across communities near the fire zone. Most of the damage occurred west of U.S. Highway 395, where the fire moved through populated regions during its initial spread. Search crews checked affected properties and found no signs of additional victims. Authorities reported that the fire traveled roughly six miles within its first 24 hours. The rapid flames led to evacuation orders for neighborhoods north and northwest of Reno.
On Tuesday, approximately 9,300 residents east of U.S. 395 were allowed to return home as fire conditions improved. About 5,000 individuals remained under evacuation orders during an afternoon update. Officials eased restrictions in several areas as firefighting crews secured more of the fire perimeter. Some roads reopened following closures that had disrupted travel around northern Reno. Returning residents encountered utility damage, burned properties, and zones still requiring patrols and safety checks by firefighters.
Containment increases as residents are permitted back
Firefighters maintained the Hawk Fire at 15,067 acres while expanding containment lines around its edges. As of late Tuesday, 586 personnel were assigned to the effort, a decrease from earlier, larger deployments. Crews continued searching for hot spots and strengthening 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 the response, working across the northern Nevada fire zone.
The Hawk Fire has been classified as human-caused, but authorities have not specified whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate. It started Saturday near the Somersett area and rapidly spread through dry brush. Strong winds initially pushed the flames toward communities northwest of Reno. As conditions eased and containment lines expanded, firefighters gained better control. Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the exact origin of the fire.
Response efforts persist throughout the affected area
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County over the weekend, coinciding with expanded evacuations. The declaration mobilized state resources to aid local firefighting, public safety, and recovery operations. Emergency officials coordinated support for residents who evacuated and for crews working through damaged communities. The emergency declaration remains in effect through August 29 unless officially lifted earlier. State and local agencies continue managing evacuation information and regulating access to affected neighborhoods.
The fire also compromised power infrastructure, damaging roughly 100 wooden utility poles along its path. Utility crews are working to restore service as more residents return to the areas that have been reopened. Firefighters continued patrols on Tuesday, inspecting damaged properties and monitoring conditions near containment lines. Authorities kept adjusting evacuation zones as access improved. The confirmed toll includes 47 homes destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost, with containment remaining steady at 85%.