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.
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
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.
