RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – The Hawk Fire near Reno resulted in the destruction of 47 homes and one commercial structure. Firefighters increased containment to 85% by late Tuesday. The wildfire covered 15,067 acres after spreading quickly through dry terrain northwest of the city. During the blaze, eight additional homes suffered severe damage. Seven individuals, including firefighters, were injured, but officials reported no fatalities. This update on property losses follows a wider review of neighborhoods impacted since the fire started on Saturday.
Washoe County teams examined affected areas and recorded the latest damage across communities near the fire zone. Most destruction occurred west of U.S. Highway 395, where the fire moved through populated regions early on. Search teams checked properties and found no signs of additional victims. Officials noted the fire traveled approximately six miles within its first 24 hours. The rapid 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 allowed to return home as fire conditions improved. Around 5,000 people remained under evacuation orders. 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 damaged utilities, burned properties, and areas still under firefighter patrols and safety inspections.
Containment increases as residents return to homes
Fire crews kept the Hawk Fire at 15,067 acres while expanding containment around its edges. Officials stated that 586 personnel were assigned late Tuesday, a reduction from earlier larger deployments. Firefighters continued searching for hot spots and strengthening containment lines near affected neighborhoods. The operation involved engines, aircraft, and firefighting teams from multiple U.S. states. Responders from Australia and New Zealand also joined efforts as crews worked across the northern Nevada fire zone.
The fire is classified as human-caused, though authorities have not revealed whether it was accidental or intentional. It started Saturday near the Somersett area and spread rapidly through dry brush. Strong winds pushed flames toward communities in northwest Reno during the initial stages. Firefighters gained more control as conditions improved and containment lines expanded. Officials have yet to disclose further details about the fire’s exact origin.
Firefighting efforts persist across the affected area
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for the county during the weekend. The move allowed the deployment of additional state resources for firefighting, safety, and recovery efforts. Emergency officials coordinated support for residents who evacuated and for crews working in damaged neighborhoods. The declaration remains in effect until August 29 unless lifted earlier. State and local agencies continued managing evacuation zones and providing access to affected communities.
The fire also damaged power infrastructure, including roughly 100 wooden utility poles along its path. 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 adjusted evacuation zones as access improved. The confirmed toll remains at 47 homes destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost. Containment remains steady at 85%.