President Trump has signed Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo’s request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration over the Hawk Fire, opening the door to federal assistance as Washoe County families, including those who lost pets, begin rebuilding.

The declaration authorizes FEMA to provide technical assistance and subject matter experts to support recovery, reports KOLO.

“This emergency declaration gives Nevada the federal resources we need to move quickly and aggressively on Hawk Fire recovery,” Lombardo said.

The specific services FEMA will provide are still being worked out, and Lombardo said they will evolve as Washoe County and the state identify gaps in the recovery effort.

We’ve followed the Hawk Fire closely since it broke out on August 22, including Washoe County’s decision to waive fees to help families cremate pets that didn’t survive the blaze and the agency’s tally of 155 dogs evacuated during the fire.

The fire ultimately burned about 15,085 acres, destroyed 47 to 58 homes and buildings depending on the count, and forced roughly 87,000 people to evacuate before reaching 98 percent containment last week.

Fighting the fire alone cost close to $8.8 million, not including the cost of rebuilding homes, roads, and power lines that many displaced families, and their pets, are still waiting on.

A Presidential Emergency Declaration is more limited than a full federal disaster declaration, since it is meant to move fast on immediate, short-term needs rather than fund long-term rebuilding.

For displaced pet owners, faster federal coordination could mean quicker restoration of the infrastructure and services they need to safely bring their animals home, particularly in neighborhoods still dealing with hazardous ash and debris.

Northern Nevada Public Health has separately warned residents to keep children and pets away from destroyed properties until a safe cleanup framework is finalized with FEMA.

Nevada dog owners who want to track recovery resources as they roll out can check the Nevada Office of Emergency Management’s wildfire information page for verified updates.