# Washoe County Rescued 155 Dogs During Hawk Fire, Officers Broke Windows to Reach Trapped Pets

Source: https://dogfriendlylasvegas.com/dog-news/local-dog-news/washoe-county-rescued-155-dogs-during-hawk-fire-officers-broke-windows-to-reach-trapped-pets/
Published: 2026-09-03

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Washoe County Regional Animal Services evacuated 314 animals during the Hawk Fire, including 155 dogs, 87 cats, 53 livestock animals, and 19 other pets, according to a new breakdown the agency released this week.

 

Over four days, the agency responded to 238 calls for evacuation assistance in coordination with firefighters and law enforcement, reports [2 News](https://www.2news.com/news/fire/washoe-county-regional-animal-services-gives-details-on-hawk-fire-evacuation-efforts/article_4f7e95d6-f9b0-48f7-aecb-62876f09c4af.html).

 

In some cases, officers worked directly with pet owners to enter homes and properties inside evacuation zones to retrieve animals families could not safely reach themselves.

 

When entry was urgent and no other option existed, officers sometimes broke a window to get inside and bring an animal to safety.

 

When an owner did not request removal, or evacuation was not feasible, officers instead verified the animals’ welfare on site and made sure they had food, water, and basic care until their families could safely return.

 

Staff also established and operated two emergency shelters during the response, with many employees working through the night after already completing a full day.

 

We’ve followed [the Hawk Fire’s impact on Nevada pets](https://dogfriendlylasvegas.com/dog-news/local-dog-news/washoe-county-waives-fees-to-help-families-cremate-pets-lost-in-the-hawk-fire/) closely since it broke out on August 22, including the agency’s decision to waive fees for cremating pets that didn’t survive the fire.

 

The fire ultimately destroyed 47 homes and buildings and forced roughly 87,000 people to evacuate at its peak before reaching 98 percent containment.

 

Washoe County Regional Animal Services thanked its volunteers and staff for their work during the response, many of whom continued supporting displaced animals well after the immediate evacuation effort ended.

 

Dog owners with questions about pets still being held or awaiting reunification after the fire can contact Washoe County Regional Animal Services directly at its Longley Lane facility in Reno.