Lombardo asks Trump for Hawk Fire emergency declaration 

Governor Joe Lombardo signed a formal request on Friday asking the White House to issue a presidential emergency declaration for Nevada following the Hawk Fire impacting northwest Reno. 

The Hawk Fire is now 95% contained as crews focus on areas with heavy fuel and remove remaining burning materials near control lines to prevent rekindling.

As of Friday morning, the fire has burned through 15,085 acres, with 550 personnel assigned to ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Officials said at least seven people, including three first responders, have been injured. The fire has destroyed 47 homes and one commercial structure. Eight other commercial structures have also been damaged.

The emergency declaration seeks immediate federal assistance to protect public health and safety, as well as to maintain essential services and support communities still recovering from the Hawk Fire. 

Lombardo, in close coordination with the Nevada Office of Emergency Management (OEM), concluded federal assistance is necessary to protect Nevadans, their property, public assets, and assist in recovery. 

“The actions from our first responders, state agencies, and local and federal partners have been nothing short of heroic while battling the Hawk Fire,” said Lombardo in a statement. “Now, as we begin the road to recovery, Nevada is requesting the full support of our federal partners to protect our communities, restore critical infrastructure, and help those impacted by this devastating fire recover and rebuild.” 

A Presidential emergency declaration would authorize FEMA to identify, mobilize, and provide the equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the Hawk Fire. Those emergency protective measures would be funded at the discretion of President Donald Trump.

On Monday, the FEMA Region 9 Regional Administrator authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of Nevada in combating the Hawk Fire burning in Washoe County.

“We are incredibly grateful for the nationwide and international response to the Hawk Fire,” said Nevada OEM Chief Brett Compston. “A Presidential emergency declaration is crucial, as Nevada’s long-term recovery efforts are just as important as response. We want to restore community lifelines and resources as quickly as possible to those impacted.” 

Preliminary damage assessments from local and state agencies are ongoing, and the state may request additional federal assistance in the coming days.

The latest fire information and recovery resources can be found at oem.nv.gov/wildfire-info-2026