The flames may be gone, and evacuations have been lifted, but for people whose properties were damaged or destroyed by the Hawk and Bug Fires, another difficult phase is beginning: cleaning up what was left behind and figuring out what comes next.
The Hawk Fire burned more than 15,000 acres northwest of Reno and destroyed and damaged homes and other structures as it moved rapidly through the area in August. Now, residents are beginning the long process of recovery, with Washoe County laying out a three-phase plan for properties affected by the Hawk, Bug and Stallion fires.
According to the Washoe Regional Emergency Information Center, the county is working with local, state, and federal jurisdictions to assist residents with properties damaged or destroyed by the August fires. The county is offering free services for certain parts of the cleanup and says it is committed to helping those who plan to rebuild.
The cleanup process will happen in phases regardless of whether a property is in the City of Reno or unincorporated Washoe County.
First comes hazardous waste
The first phase is the assessment and removal of household hazardous waste from fire-damaged properties.
Washoe County is covering the cost and will coordinate with EPA-qualified contractors to safely remove immediate health and environmental hazards. That can include batteries, propane tanks, paints, pesticides, herbicides, and other hazardous materials remaining on properties.
The Washoe County Assessor’s Office has identified properties damaged or destroyed by the Hawk, Bug and Stallion fires. Washoe 311 has reached out to those homeowners to explain the hazardous waste removal process.
Property owners whose homes or properties were damaged or destroyed and who have not been contacted can call 3-1-1.
Debris cleanup comes next
Once the first phase is complete, property owners can move to Phase 2, which addresses the remaining fire-related debris.
That includes structural debris, ash, and other materials left behind by the fire.
This portion of the cleanup will be different from hazardous waste removal. Property owners will be responsible for coordinating and paying for Phase 2, including working with their insurance provider when applicable.
Federal resources may also be available through the Nevada Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Rebuilding is the third phase
For property owners ready to rebuild, Phase 3 focuses on navigating that process.
Washoe County’s Community Services Division is offering resources and individual support to help property owners work through demolition and rebuilding.
Property owners can contact the division at (775)328-2020 or building@washoecounty.gov.
Help is available
The recovery information also includes a list of organizations that may be able to help with cleanup and debris removal.
Cleanup and Debris Removal
Financial Assistance Programs
For residents who watched the Hawk, Bug, andStallion fires tear through their communities, recovery will take much longer than the time it took the flames to spread. The county's three-phase process is intended to guide property owners from the initial removal of hazardous materials through debris cleanup and, eventually, rebuilding.
All evacuations for the Hawk Fire have been lifted,
The Washoe County Commission has confirmed the emergency declaration for the Hawk Fire. The decision does not change what resources are available for the fire.
(Washoe Regional Emergency Information Center contributed to this story.)
