RENO, NEVADA / RankWire.AI / – Late Tuesday, firefighters increased containment of the Hawk Fire near Reno to 85%, having already destroyed 47 homes and one commercial building. The wildfire rapidly expanded across 15,067 acres through dry terrain northwest of the city. During the blaze, eight additional homes sustained significant damage. Seven individuals, including firefighters, were injured, though no fatalities have been reported. This updated property damage figure follows a broader evaluation of neighborhoods impacted since the fire’s start on Saturday.
Washoe County teams examined the affected regions and documented the latest losses across communities near the fire’s area. Most destruction occurred to the west of U.S. Highway 395, where the fire moved through populated zones during its initial phase. Search crews inspected affected properties and confirmed no additional victims. Authorities reported the fire traveled approximately six miles within the first 24 hours, with the rapid flames prompting evacuation orders for 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 eased. About 5,000 people remained under evacuation orders, and authorities eased restrictions in several regions as firefighting crews secured more of the fire’s perimeter. Some roads reopened after closures caused disruptions around northern Reno. Returning residents encountered utilities damaged, properties burned, and areas still under patrol or safety checks by firefighting teams.
Containment increases as residents re-enter areas
While the Hawk Fire remained at 15,067 acres, containment efforts around its boundary were intensified. Officials reported that late Tuesday, 586 personnel were involved in the effort, a reduction from earlier deployment levels. Crews continued to search for lingering hot spots and bolster containment lines around burned neighborhoods. The response involved engines, aircraft, and firefighting teams from various U.S. states, with personnel from Australia and New Zealand also assisting as crews operated across northern Nevada’s fire zone.
The origin of the Hawk Fire has been classified as human-caused by investigators; however, authorities have not specified whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate. The fire ignited Saturday near the Somersett area and rapidly spread through dry vegetation. Strong winds initially fueled the flames towards northwest Reno communities. Over time, conditions improved, allowing firefighters to gain control and expand containment lines. Further details about the precise source of the fire have not yet been disclosed.
Continued emergency operations across affected zones
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County during the weekend as evacuations widened. The declaration allocated state resources to support firefighting, public safety, and recovery efforts. Emergency officials coordinated assistance for residents leaving their homes and for crews working in damaged neighborhoods. The declaration is set to stay in effect until August 29 unless terminated earlier. State and local agencies continued managing evacuation information and access to affected areas.
The fire also caused damage to power infrastructure, including approximately 100 wooden utility poles along its path. Utility crews worked to restore services as more residents returned to areas that had reopened. Firefighters remained on patrol on Tuesday, inspecting damaged properties and monitoring conditions near containment lines. Authorities continued to adjust evacuation zones as access improved. The confirmed toll includes 47 homes destroyed, eight homes seriously damaged, and one commercial building lost, with containment holding at 85%.