Authorities in Washoe County, Nevada, are actively searching for an unidentified individual responsible for igniting the Hawk Fire, which has scorched more than 15,000 acres in the region. The investigation is being led by detectives from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office in collaboration with investigators from the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. Sheriff Darin Balaam confirmed during a media briefing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, that the fire was human-caused, ruling out natural causes such as lightning strikes. The blaze began around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, near the Somersett housing community in northwest Reno. While no homes were destroyed in Somersett, the fire spread into the North Valleys, resulting in 47 structures burning and eight others sustaining damage. Although no suspect has been identified or arrested, law enforcement officials are utilizing all available tools to locate the person or persons responsible. Sheriff Balaam noted that multiple videos were captured around the time the fire started, and he has urged the community to continue submitting tips and footage. He emphasized that no tip is too small and that the investigation remains active. Residents are encouraged to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 775-785-9276 or the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District at 775-326-6000 with any information that may assist in identifying the suspect. The case remains open as investigators work to determine whether the fire was started intentionally or accidentally.