What should I do first?

Register as a homeowner impacted by the recent wildfires to receive information on resources here:

Recovery Resources Registration

Take these steps in order:

1. Do not begin debris removal until household hazardous waste removal is complete. (See “How will debris removal be sequenced” section.)
2. Photograph damage to buildings, utilities, vehicles, and personal property.
3. Contact your insurance company and ask about debris coverage, temporary housing, required inspections, and documentation.
4. If your property was damaged or destroyed and Washoe County has not contacted you, call Washoe 311 by dialing 3-1-1 on your phone.
5. Keep all photographs, estimates, contracts, permits, invoices, disposal receipts, and lodging receipts.
6. Before hiring anyone, verify the contractor has an active Nevada contractor’s license.
7. Before removing any debris or ash, ensure a demolition permit has been issued (either Washoe County or City of Reno, depending on the property location)

 

Is it safe to enter or clean my property?

Fire-damaged properties may contain unstable structures, damaged utilities, compromised fuel tanks, asbestos, chemicals, sharp objects, and contaminated ash.

Do not disturb suspected hazardous materials. If you enter an authorized area or sift through ash, follow Northern Nevada Public Health guidance and wear:

• A properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator
• Gloves
• Protective footwear or disposable boot covers
• Long sleeves and long pants

For hazardous-material guidance, contact the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s 24-hour line at 888-331-6337.

 

How will debris removal be sequenced?

Cleanup is divided into three phases:

Phase	Work	Responsibility
1. Household hazardous waste	Assessment and removal of batteries, propane tanks, paints, pesticides, herbicides, and similar immediate hazards	Washoe County coordinates and pays for EPA-qualified contractors
2. Debris and ash	Removal of ash, structural debris, foundations when applicable, and remaining fire-related material	Property owner coordinates and pays, generally through insurance
3. Rebuilding	Design, permits, construction, inspections, and occupancy approval	Property owner and licensed professionals, with local permitting support

Phase 2 should not begin until Phase 1 has been completed for the property and the appropriate permits obtained. This sequence applies to affected properties in both the City of Reno and unincorporated Washoe County. Emergency Washoe recovery guidance

 

What happens during Phase 1?

Washoe County’s contractor will assess the property and remove household hazardous waste that presents an immediate health or environmental threat. Phase 1 is limited to hazardous materials that may pose an immediate threat to public health, safety or the environment. Examples specifically identified in the contract include:

• Batteries
• Herbicides and pesticides
• Propane tanks and cylinders
• Fuels and oils
• Paints and solvents
• Household chemicals
• Compressed containers
• Asbestos-containing siding
• Similar hazardous materials

Items that pose an immediate risk to cleanup crews, including explosives, weapons and firearms, may also be tagged and removed. These items are stored and can be returned to their owners. The contractor is required to document materials removed from each property, and County personnel routinely observe the contractor’s work. Records are required to include:

• Property address or parcel identification
• Inspection and removal dates
• General types and quantities of hazardous materials removed
• Before-and-after photographs, when appropriate
• Disposal manifests or receipts, when required
• Hazardous conditions remaining or requiring additional action

Washoe County’s approach is to obtain property-owner authorization through a Right of Entry (ROE) before Phase 1 work begins. The County has attempted to contact every affected property owner. Washoe County Code 65.335 provides authority for the County to enter private property during or after a declared emergency, or when emergency measures are necessary to protect public health and safety. The contractor does not independently have governmental authority to enter private property. The contractor is authorized to inspect properties identified and authorized by Washoe County, and the County assists the contractor in obtaining necessary access.

Phase 1 does not include removal of structural debris, ash, concrete, cars, tires, asbestos siding, or foundations.

 

What should I do with destroyed vehicles?

Destroyed vehicles are generally not classified as household hazardous waste as a whole. However, damaged batteries are included in the Phase 1 scope.

We recommend the owner contact their vehicle and/or property insurance carrier to arrange assessment, towing, and disposal. We recommend using a licensed tow company, dismantler, or vehicle recycler.

Uninsured vehicles may require owner-funded removal. There are currently NO county–funded programs to remove damaged vehicles. The cost would generally remain the property owner’s responsibility. Bright Harbor is coordinating the Nevada 2026 Fire Survivor Assistance program. SBA has also announced they are accepting applications for low-interest loans for demolition and rebuilding. Some funding may be available.

• Gather the appropriate ownership documentation.

• • The DMV can help provide help with title and are accepting walk-ins for fire victims.
  • Auto wreckers generally require ownership documentation before accepting the vehicles. A bill of sale by itself usually does not replace a missing title.
  • The general rule is to obtain a duplicate from the state where the vehicle was last titled.

• We recommend working with a junk removal like HERO Environmental or Nick’s Property Cleanup & Hauling. Coordinate removal through a towing provider like Cal-Nevada, Milne, The Tow Truck Co., Luther, or Mobile Mechanics S&T.
• Transfer ownership to a licensed wrecker/dismantler/recycler.

 

Who pays for debris removal?

• Phase 1: Washoe County is covering the household hazardous waste assessment and removal.
• Phase 2: Property owners are responsible for arranging and paying for remaining debris and ash removal, including working with their insurance carrier.
• Rebuilding: Property owners should coordinate coverage and financing with their insurer, lender, and any applicable assistance program.

State and federal resources may be available, but assistance is not automatic. Complete the Nevada Fire Survivor Assistance Form to identify programs that may apply.

 

Can I hire my own debris-removal contractor?

Yes, for owner-managed work after Phase 1 is complete and the required permits and environmental steps have been addressed.

Before work begins:

1. Confirm the contractor has an active Nevada contractor’s license for the scope of work being conducted. The Nevada State Contractor’s Board can confirm license validity and type at https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com. Note that if asbestos is present, the contractor should hold, at a minimum, an A-23 license.
2. Obtain a written scope, price, schedule, and disposal plan.
3. Confirm who will obtain demolition and environmental approvals.
4. Require disposal and weight receipts.
5. Ask your insurer to approve the scope before signing.
6. Do not make large cash payments or pay the full amount in advance.

Anyone hired to perform regulated work must hold the appropriate license. Asbestos-containing material should be handled by a qualified asbestos-abatement contractor. The Nevada State Contractor’s Board offers additional information and guidance on hiring a contractor.

 

What records should I keep?

Maintain one recovery file containing:

• Before-and-after photographs
• Insurance claim number and correspondence
• Property assessment and Phase 1 completion information
• Contractor licenses, bids, contracts, and change orders
• Demolition and building permits
• Asbestos forms, surveys, and abatement records
• Utility-disconnection or capping records
• Landfill, disposal, and weight receipts
• Invoices and proof of payment
• Hotel, food, and other additional-living-expense receipts

These documents may be needed for insurance, permits, financial assistance, tax purposes, or rebuilding. Note that this is a recommended list of documents to retain and should not be considered exhaustive. You are encouraged to check with your insurance to determine if other documentation is required.

 

Is a demolition permit required?

Yes, when a structure is either partially or fully damaged from a fire, a demolition permit is required to confirm utility services are safely capped and material is appropriately disposed of.

A demolition permit may be:

• Obtained before the rebuilding permit; or
• Included with the repair or rebuilding permit.

Permit requirements depend on the property’s jurisdiction and whether it is owner-occupied, rented, or nonresidential. For property owners within unincorporated Washoe County (outside the cities of Reno and Sparks), more information can be found within the Natural Disaster Handout at https://www.washoecounty.gov/building.

 

Are asbestos documents required?

Yes.

• Northern Nevada Public Health requires an Acknowledgment of Asbestos Assessment for demolition.
• A Notification of Demolition is required before ash and debris are removed.
• Although NNPH may not require asbestos testing for every residential demolition, Nevada OSHA requirements may apply when workers or contractors are hired.
• Nonresidential demolitions require asbestos testing.
• If asbestos is identified, use a properly licensed abatement contractor.

Contact NNPH Air Quality Management Division at 775-784-7200 or review its asbestos requirements.

 

Will additional approvals or inspections be required before rebuilding?

Yes. A permit for demolition/ debris removal does not authorize construction.

Depending on the project and jurisdiction, the process for rebuilding may include:

1. Phase 1 hazardous-waste completion.
2. Asbestos documentation and demolition notification.
3. Demolition permit and safe utility termination.
4. Debris and ash removal with disposal documentation.
5. Repair or rebuilding plans submitted as part of a building permit.
6. Review by building, engineering, fire, planning, health, utility, and other applicable agencies.
7. Building-permit issuance.
8. Required construction inspections.
9. Final inspections and, when applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy.

 

How do I submit a Washoe County building permit?

For property in unincorporated Washoe County only:

1. Work with a design professional to create a complete application and plan set that includes civil, architectural, structural, electrical. mechanical, and plumbing drawings, all required structural/truss/mechanical calculations, geotechnical reports, and energy compliance information.
2. Complete applications and plans can be submitted electronically through OneNV – Washoe County’s online permitting system
3. Ensure “HAWK FIRE REBUILD,” “HAWK FIRE REPAIR,” or “HAWK FIRE DEMOLITION” is added to the application name and at the beginning of the description.
4. After submitting, notify Permit Services Coordinator Jake Osborn at josborn@washoecounty.gov or 775-328-2123 so the application can be prioritized.

Washoe County Building is available at 775-328-2020 or building@washoecounty.gov, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Properties within the City of Reno must follow City permitting requirements. Confirm the permitting jurisdiction before submitting.

 

Should I hire a design professional before applying?

It is highly recommended that property owners hire a design professional to assist with the demolition and rebuilding process. A Nevada-licensed architect or engineer can prepare the required plans and coordinate structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and geotechnical documents.

A licensed contractor can also help coordinate demolition, permit submittals, construction, inspections, and final approval for work that they complete.

 

What should I do if my hotel stay is ending?

Act before the checkout date:

1. Ask your insurer about Additional Living Expense or loss-of-use coverage and request a written extension decision.
2. Keep lodging, meal, transportation, and other displacement-related receipts.
3. Apply for the City of Reno’s AB 540 Disaster Recovery Assistance Program.
4. Call Nevada 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211 for other housing resources.
5. If hotel space is unavailable, ask the assistance program or your insurer about another hotel, short-term rental, deposit assistance, or rental assistance.

Neither the County nor City can guarantee availability at a particular hotel, especially during major regional events.

 

What does the AB 540 program cover?

Eligible households affected by the Hawk, Bug, Fred Mountain, or Stallion fires may qualify for:

• Motel or hotel assistance for up to 90 days
• Rental assistance
• Security-deposit assistance
• One housing-application fee
• Lot rent
• Certain food assistance provided through rental assistance

Key requirements include a documented fire-related need, qualifying housing circumstances, and household income at or below 150% of Area Median Income. Hotel payments are made directly to participating hotels that accept invoicing; households do not receive the hotel payment directly.

Apply through the City of Reno Disaster Recovery Assistance Program, call 775-541-8926, or visit Reno City Hall. Assistance is subject to eligibility, documentation, and available funding.

 

Can the County or City require a hotel to extend my stay?

No. Local government cannot guarantee that a hotel will extend a reservation or keep the same room available. However, housing-assistance staff, insurers, the Red Cross, Nevada 211, and other recovery partners may help identify alternatives or coordinate payment with participating lodging providers.

 

Where will official recovery updates be posted?

Use these primary sources:

• Emergency Washoe — regional incident and recovery updates
• Washoe 311 — property-specific questions or notification that an affected property was missed
• Nevada recovery resources — state and federal assistance
• City of Reno disaster assistance — lodging and housing programs
• Emergency Alerts — register here

 

Who should I contact if I still do not know what to do?

• Affected property not contacted: Washoe 311
• Washoe County demolition or rebuilding: 775-328-2020 or building@washoecounty.gov
• Asbestos questions: NNPH, 775-784-7200
• Hazardous-material guidance: NDEP, 888-331-6337
• Hotel or rental assistance: City of Reno, 775-541-8926
• Insurance assistance: Nevada Division of Insurance, 775-687-0700, option 2
• General recovery resources: Nevada 211
• Immediate danger: 911