Hawk and Bug Fire Recovery Assistance
At a glance
- What: Help for residents who lost homes in the Hawk and Bug fires, including federal disaster loans and a state and city rental assistance program. Residents told Council they saw no fire response and little outreach.
- Where it stands: Raised in public comment on September 23, 2026. SBA deadlines are November 10 (physical damage) and June 11 (economic injury). No Council action.
Sources
Related news
The Bug Fire began August 8 and burned nearly 94,000 acres. The Hawk Fire started August 22 northwest of Reno, was reported human-caused, and had destroyed 32 homes and damaged 6 by August 24, with about 23,000 people under evacuation orders; the governor declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and FEMA authorized federal funds. A governor's executive order directs state housing funds to Reno for rental and short-term housing aid, and on September 3 Reno launched a disaster relief program of up to $1 million for households hit by the fires.
- News From The States, Reno Hawk Fire destroys 32 homes, crews make progress on containment (2026-08-24)
- KUNR, Lombardo's executive order provides housing aid for residents impacted by the wildfires (2026-09-01)
- KOLO, Reno launches $1 million disaster relief program to help households impacted by wildfires (2026-09-04)
Summary built from the news reports and the city's records.
Log
- 2026-09-23 - City Council - Residents, a volunteer and an SBA specialist spoke; the city announced a rental assistance program with the state and Catholic Charities.