Reno, Nev. – Long‑time wildland firefighter Tye Erwin, a 31‑year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service’s Bridgeport Ranger District, saw his home on Mohawk Lane reduced to ash when the Hawk Fire swept across Peavine Mountain on August 22.
From the Front Lines to the Front Door
Erwin was on duty when the fire broke out. After hearing the dispatch alert, he turned on his camera and saw the flames closing in on his neighborhood. “If this thing hits Peavine, the com site up there, I’m going to go home,” he told his supervisor, who replied, “Do what you need to do.”
When the blaze grew too close for comfort, Erwin raced home, warning his neighbors to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. “I basically told them I’d be street fighting here in a few hours,” he recalled.
Fighting the Fire at Home
Drawing on his experience from the 2023 Poeville fire, Erwin tried to harden his house and hold the fire at bay. “I was confident that I had actually saved the house for a few minutes, and it turned out I was wrong,” he said.
As the fire’s behavior changed dramatically, consuming everything around him at an alarming rate, Erwin realized the battle was unwinnable. He fled to his car and escaped safely, watching black smoke billow over the neighborhood.
Aftermath: Loss and Remembrance
When crews contained the blaze enough for residents to return, Erwin walked through the devastation. The remains of his home were unrecognizable – a melted windshield, twisted metal, and scattered household items. Three of his cars were total losses, their glass melted rather than shattered.
Beyond the material loss, Erwin mourned the irreplaceable memories held in the home he had lived in since 1998, including family heirlooms left by his parents.
Family, Faith, and Community Support
Erwin’s family told him, “You did the right thing. You saved yourself in the end,” acknowledging his decision to prioritize safety over property. The emotional toll has been heavy, but Erwin remains hopeful. “Life goes on. All this can be rebuilt,” he said.
He praised the outpouring of support from Reno residents, fellow firefighters, and his insurance carrier. “The people of Reno remind me of why I moved here 30‑plus years ago – the overwhelming support,” he added.
Looking Forward
Erwin is uncertain whether he will rebuild on the same lot or relocate elsewhere. A coworker has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover immediate needs, and Erwin hopes to one day assist others facing similar loss.
The Hawk Fire, which ultimately destroyed 47 homes and damaged 11 more across the Peavine Mountain area, continues to be a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who protect our forests and the resilience of Nevada’s communities.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
