FEMA has authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of Nevada fight the Hawk Fire in Washoe County.

On August 22, the state of Nevada submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Hawk Fire. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening approximately 1,500 homes in and around northwest portions of Reno. Mandatory evacuations had taken place for approximately 3,500 people. 

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs. FMAGs are approved through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become major disasters.

Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

(FEMA contributed to this report.)