The Hawk Fire has changed the lives of people across Washoe County, with damage assessment teams working to determine the full extent of losses after the fast-moving fire damaged or destroyed structures. As those assessments continue, people who lost homes and businesses are beginning the difficult process of rebuilding, and community members are looking for ways to help.
We’re compiling verified GoFundMe fundraisers here for people affected by the fire. This list will continue to grow as we verify additional fundraisers and receive information from people in the community.
GoFundMe itself has also created a hub for verified fundraisers for wildfire relief in Nevada. It can be found at this link.
Spencer Buelna and his family
Spencer and Kaley lost their farrier shop, tools, animal areas and much of their property in the Hawk Fire, while their home was left temporarily uninhabitable.
Spencer Buelna, a Reno police officer and local farrier, was shot in the chest while on duty earlier this year and escaped without major permanent physical injuries. Months later, he and his wife, Kaley, were hit by another crisis when the Hawk Fire swept through their property. Their home was spared from the flames but was left temporarily uninhabitable, while Spencer’s blacksmithing shop, tools, tack room, animal areas, gardens and many personal belongings were destroyed. The fundraiser is helping them recover, care for their animals and get Spencer back to work while they navigate repairs and insurance.
Help Farrier Spencer and his family rebuild after Hawk Fire
The Poindexter Family
Eight members of the Poindexter family were displaced after losing their home in the Hawk Fire and are now staying in temporary hotel accommodations.
The Poindexter family lost their home in the Hawk Fire on August 22, leaving eight members of their immediate and extended family displaced. They are staying in temporary hotel accommodations with limited clothing, personal belongings and everyday essentials as they determine what comes next. The fundraiser will help cover lodging, food, replacement essentials and other immediate needs as the family begins rebuilding.
Support the Poindexter Family After Hawk Fire
David Barb and his family
A Reno-area taxidermist lost his shop and small business in the Hawk Fire. The building had been part of his family property since 1983.
A Reno-area taxidermist lost the shop where he ran his small business when the Hawk Fire swept through his property Aug. 22. The building had been on the family property since 1983, first serving as a horse barn and later a hobby shop before becoming his taxidermy workspace and a second source of income for his family. Although the property is insured, he says the coverage for the outbuilding will not come close to the cost of rebuilding. The fundraiser will help rebuild the shop so he can return to work and continue serving customers in the community.
Bring This Reno-Area Taxidermy Business Back
Juan Lopez's Father
Juan Lopez's father was one of three of his relatives impacted by the Hawk Fire.
Juan Lopez's father was one of three of his relatives impacted by the Hawk Fire. On Sunday morning, he was taken to U.C. Davis for treatment of his burns. He lost all of his belongings, his trailer, and his dogs in the fire.
Aid for Juan’s Father’s Recovery and New Start
Crystal Hallock and her family
On August 22, the Hawk Fire swept through the Reno, Nevada area, destroying the home of Crystal Hallock and her family.
On August 22, the Hawk Fire swept through the Reno, Nevada area, destroying the home of Crystal Hallock and her family. Crystal and her family lost their home and everything in it. Thankfully, Crystal, her family, and all of their animals escaped safely. This was more than Crystal’s house. It was the family home, shared by three generations of her family, including her grandchildren and other family members, as well as several beloved dogs.
Rebuilding Crystal’s Family Home After the Hawk Fire
The Wesley Family
The Wesley family is asking for help after the fire turned their lives upside down.
The Wesley family is asking for help after the fire turned their lives upside down. Their home was built by their father, and they don't know the extent of the damage yet, but their garden and deck are gone, and they know the back of the house caught fire.
Help Our Family Rebuild After Hawk Fire
John Montgomery
John lost his home and nearly everything he owned in a devastating fire (Hawk fire).
At 66, John lost his home and nearly everything he owned in the devastating Hawk Fire. A lifelong tradesman and single father, John watched as his home, and more than 30 years of memories and tools, went up in flames. He escaped with only his truck, the clothes he was wearing, and his beloved dog, Q. Now, he’s facing the difficult task of rebuilding his life from scratch.
Kevin Strawn
On August 22, Kevin Strawn lost his home and belongings in the devastating Hawk Fire.
On August 22, Kevin Strawn lost his home and belongings in the devastating Hawk Fire. The home he had built and cared for over many years was gone in a matter of moments. As he begins facing the enormous challenge of rebuilding his life, his friends hope to help ease some of the unexpected financial burdens ahead.
Help Kevin Strawn Rebuild After the Hawk Fire
The Wardle Family
They lost almost everything due to the rapid spread of the fire and very little warning.
The Wardle family’s new house burned down in the Hawk Fire in North Reno, Nevada on Saturday night. They lost almost everything due to the rapid spread of the fire and very little warning. They were able to save their small camper and the cats as well as a couple of vehicles, but that’s about it. Family and friends are trying to raise funds so they can get a temporary place to stay while they get back on their feet and figure out a living situation as winter approaches.
Support for the Wardle Family After the Hawk Fire
The Lapin Family
The Hawk Fire took their home in a matter of minutes.
The Hawk Fire took their home in a matter of minutes. Everything they had built over the years the family photos, favorite belongings, precious memories tucked away in closets, and the place they called home was suddenly gone.
Nick, Jordan, Oliver, Eli, Tucker, and their beloved dog Arlo have lost everything they had. While nothing can replace what was lost, family and friends have surrounded them with love and support, reminding them that they are not alone during this incredibly difficult time.
Rebuilding Hope for the Lapin Family After the Fire
Family lost everything
Tonight, our family’s entire world changed in an instant.
This family’s entire world changed in an instant.
Their home was destroyed in the Hawk Fire, and they lost everything they own. They made it out and are incredibly grateful to be alive and together, but are now facing the unimaginable reality of starting completely over.
They left with only the clothes on their backs. Their children’s clothes, shoes, beds, toys, school belongings, family keepsakes, furniture, household necessities, everything that made their house a home, is gone.
Help Our Family of Six After the Hawk Fire
Hilery and Paul
Please support Hilery, her husband and their two teenage daughters, after their family lost their home in the fast-moving Hawk fire.
Please support Hilery, Paul, and their two teenage daughters after their family lost their home in the fast-moving Hawk Fire. In a matter of moments, everything they had was gone, and they were forced to leave with only the clothes on their backs. Along with the heartbreak of losing their home and belongings, they are now facing the overwhelming reality of being displaced while also caring for their pets.
Francisco Guillen
Whatever help big or small is really appreciated.
Francisco is asking for donations to buy hygiene products, clothes, and shoes after the Hawk Fire burned his house and belongings, leaving him with nothing.
Tye Erwin
Help a lifelong wildland firefighter rebuild after the Hawk Fire
Tye Erwin, a lifelong wildland firefighter and current battalion chief on the Bridgeport Ranger District, lost his home in the Hawk Fire, according to his GoFundMe fundraiser. The fundraiser is seeking help with temporary housing, replacing necessities, and other expenses as he begins rebuilding.
Support Tye Erwin through his GoFundMe fundraiser
Rick Arrate
A veteran who lived on Peavine Mountain for more than 20 years.
Rick Arrate, a veteran who lived on Peavine Mountain for more than 20 years, lost his home and belongings in the Hawk Fire, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by his granddaughter, Jaida Hargrove. The fundraiser says Arrate was able to escape with his dogs but had no time to take clothing or other belongings. It is raising money for immediate needs, housing, and eventually a new place to call home.
Help Rick Arrate rebuild after the Hawk Fire
The Curtice family
The Curtice family has suffered a devastating loss in the Hawk Fire.
The Curtice family lost their home in the Hawk Fire, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser organized for Keith, Javene, Jayce-Lee, Jorja and KJ. The fundraiser is seeking help with temporary housing, clothing, food, personal items and other expenses as the family begins rebuilding.
Help the Curtice family after losing their home in the Hawk Fire
Kelsey and Xander Lehn
Kelsey, Xander, and their boys are devastated. They lost the roof over their heads and everything they owned.
Kelsey Lehn, her husband, Xander, and their two young boys lost their home and belongings in the Hawk Fire, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Kelsey’s childhood friend, Briana Aguilar. The fundraiser is seeking help with housing, clothing, toys for the children, support for the family’s cats and dogs, and other needs as they rebuild.
Help Kelsey, Xander and their boys rebuild after the Hawk Fire
The Jensen Family
We have lost everything on our property.
Six members of the Jensen family lost their home and belongings in the Hawk Fire, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Debra Jensen. The fundraiser says Debra, her husband Lance, her son Kevin, her brothers Larry and Mark, and her niece Michele are seeking help with clothing, food, essentials, and eventually new housing.
Help the Jensen family; We've lost everything. Home burnt down
Susie Olano Family
Susie is so much more than the administrative secretary at our school. She is the heart of our school community.
Susie and her family lost their home of 31 years in the Hawk Fire, according to her GoFundMe fundraiser. The fundraiser is seeking money to help with immediate expenses and rebuilding her life.
Help Susie rebuild after the Hawk Fire
Luisa and son
Luisa and her 11-year-old son escaped with nothing but the clothes they were wearing and their two dogs.
On the morning of August 22, 2026, Luisa was at work when everything changed. She was only able to make it back home long enough to save her two small dogs and grab a few important documents before the heavy smoke forced her to leave. Luisa and her 11-year-old son escaped with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. Donations will go toward replacing basic belongings and covering urgent day-to-day needs for Luisa and her son as they try to rebuild their lives.
Help Luisa rebuild after the Hawk Fire
Wayne and Donna
An elderly couple whose home survived the Hawk Fire is facing extensive cleanup, smoke damage and property repairs that they are physically unable to manage on their own.
An elderly couple and their daughter are recovering after the Hawk Fire burned their yard, destroyed belongings and left their home with smoke damage. Their 85-year-old father and handicapped mother are unable to take on the extensive cleanup and repairs themselves, while their daughter works full time and helps care for them. The fundraiser will help cover professional cleanup, smoke-damage restoration, property repairs, replacement belongings and other recovery expenses.
Help My 85-Year-Old Dad, Disabled Mom, sister From the Hawk Fire
If you have a GoFundMe fundraiser for someone who lost a home or business in the Hawk Fire, or know of one we have missed, send the link to producers@ktvn.com.
We will verify each fundraiser before adding it to this list. Once verified, we’ll provide brief information about the person or business affected and include the fundraiser so readers can learn more and decide how they want to help.
Donating safely
GoFundMe says its crisis response team is monitoring the Hawk Fire and reviewing related fundraisers.
According to GoFundMe, money raised through fundraisers is held by payment partners during the verification process. Funds are released to the person named as the beneficiary after their personal information has been verified by GoFundMe’s Trust & Safety team.
GoFundMe also says donations to its 2026 Wildfire Relief Fund can provide direct relief cash grants to people affected by the fire. GoFundMe says it will match the next $50,000 donated to the fund.
GoFundMe also provides resources about starting a wildfire relief fundraiser, its crisis response and FAQs, and best practices for donating safely online.
As more people affected by the Hawk Fire reach out for help, we’ll continue updating this list.
