Environment & Climate

Some residents allowed to return as firefighters gain progress on Reno-area Hawk Fire

Around 9,000 evacuated residents were cleared to go home after the human-caused fire destroyed over 40 structures in Nevada.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 23:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

Approximately 9,000 residents east of State Route 395 were permitted to return home Tuesday, while roughly 5,000 people remain under evacuation orders.
The Hawk Fire has burned 15,067 acres and destroyed more than 40 homes since starting Saturday, reaching 27% containment by Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities believe the fire was human-caused due to the lack of lightning in the area, though the specific cause remains under investigation.
Fire officials warned of critical fire weather conditions set to begin Wednesday and persist through the weekend.

The Hawk Fire has burned 15,067 acres and achieved 27% containment as of Tuesday afternoon.[NBC News]
Around 9,000 residents were cleared to return to their homes on Tuesday, while about 5,000 people remained evacuated.[NBC News]
The wildfire destroyed more than 40 homes, with areas west of State Route 395 suffering the most severe impact.[NBC News]
No deaths or fatalities have been reported from the fire.[NBC News]
Washoe County officials reported that the fire moved six miles within its first 24 hours after starting on Saturday.[NBC News]

It remains unknown whether the human-caused ignition of the fire was accidental or intentional.[NBC News]