Press Release
Regional Emergency Operations Center
Wildfire Phases of Recovery & What You Need to Know
Washoe County is working with local, state and federal jurisdictions to assist residents with properties that were damaged or destroyed by the Hawk, Bug and Stallion fires that occurred in August of 2026. The County is offering free services to help clean up certain aspects of properties and committed to helping those who plan to rebuild. The cleanup process for properties impacted will occur in phases regardless of their jurisdiction. All residents – in City of Reno and unincorporated Washoe County – should follow these steps.
Phase 1: Household Hazardous Waste Removal
Phase 1 is the assessment and removal of household hazardous waste from fire-damaged properties. Washoe County is covering the cost of this work and will coordinate with EPA-qualified contractors to safely remove immediate health and environmental hazards. Materials may include batteries, propane tanks, paints, pesticides, herbicides, and other hazardous materials that are present on the property.
The Washoe County Assessor’s Office has identified properties damaged or destroyed by the Hawk, Bug and Stallion fires. Washoe 311 (the County’s call center) has reached out to those homeowners to detail the process of removing hazardous materials. If you have a property that was damaged or destroyed and have not been contacted, please dial 3-1-1.
Phase 2: Debris and Ash Removal
Phase 2 addresses the removal of remaining fire-related debris, including structural debris, ash, and other materials left after the fire. Phase 2 can begin once Phase 1 is complete.
Property owners will be responsible for coordinating and paying for Phase 2 cleanup, including working with their insurance provider when applicable. Federal resources may be available – see more from the state of Nevada – Office of Emergency Management / Homeland Security.
Phase 3 – Prepare for Rebuild
Once the property owner is ready to rebuild, Washoe County – Community Services Division (CSD) is available to provide resources and individual support to help navigate and streamline the demolition and rebuilding process. To get started, call CSD at 775-328-2020 or email building@washoecounty.gov.
Cleanup and Debris Removal
| Faith Ministry Reno | Sierra Baptist Association of churches is helping homeowners in the North Valleys most affected by the recent fires. Volunteers may be able to assist with personal property/furniture removal, recovery of personal items, debris cleanup, sanitizing with smoke removal treatment. | www.fmreno.org/contact-us |
| Belfor | Belfor specializes in disaster recovery and property restoration. | 800-856-3333 |
| All Hands and Hearts | Can assist with debris removal, mucking, and gutting. | 508-972-5951 |
| Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation | Can assist with debris removal | 702-606-0999 |
| Least Resistance Training Concepts | Least Resistance Training Concepts (LRTC) specializes in public safety responses involving entrapped equines, both wild horses and domestic horses. Volunteers can assist with debris removal, chainsaw crews, damage assessment and tool trailers. | 650-255-5551 |
| 911 Restoration | 911 Restoration of Reno Tahoe provides compassionate, full-service restoration for homes and businesses across Northern Nevada and Northern California. | 775-419-0116 |
Financial Assistance Programs
| Program | Description | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Office of Emergency Management | The State of Nevada is here to help you navigate your recovery from the recent fires. Answer a few quick questions to see funding opportunities and available resources tailored to your specific needs. | www.oem.nv.gov/fire-assistance |
| City of Reno | The AB 540 Disaster Recovery Assistance Program provides short-term disaster recovery assistance to eligible residents affected by the Bug, Fred Mountain, Stallion, or Hawk fires. All assistance is in the form of short-term rental assistance.
The program is intended to help renters address immediate, disaster-related needs and stabilize their housing situation. Homeowners are only eligible when requesting short-term motel/hotel assistance and/or deposit assistance. |
www.reno.gov/government/departments/housing-neighborhood-development/disaster-recovery-assistance.php |
| Nevada Division of Insurance Additional Living Expense | Additional Living Expense (ALE) + claim help Homeowners, renters, condo and some business policies may cover hotels, meals and other extra costs caused by evacuation or loss of use. Keep receipts. Ask your insurer specifically about “loss of use” and “additional living expenses.” Nevada Division of Insurance consumer help: 775-687-0700, option 2. If you have trouble navigating a claim, the Division can assist. | https://doi.nv.gov/Consumers/Wildfire_Recovery/ |
| Red Cross | Red Cross financial assistance for eligible households Families whose primary residence was destroyed or sustained substantial damage from the recent wildfires may be eligible for Red Cross financial assistance. A Red Cross disaster worker can help determine eligibility and apply. | 1-800-733-2767 |
| EmployNV | Lost work or wages because of the fire? Nevada DETR (EmployNV) says workers whose employment was disrupted by the Hawk Fire may be eligible for regular unemployment insurance. If you are unsure, apply rather than assuming you do not qualify. | https://DETR.nv.gov |
| Nevada Mortgage Lending Division | Nevada Mortgage Lending Division can help consumers experiencing mortgage-related problems connected to the Hawk Fire. | 702-486-0782 |