Nevada declares emergency as wildfire forces 90,000 evacuations near Reno
A human-caused blaze near Reno has burned about 10,500 acres, prompting a state of emergency, National Guard deployment and evacuation orders for roughly 90,000 residents.
Around 42,000 residents near Reno, Nevada, have been ordered to evacuate immediately, with an additional 45,000 advised to prepare to leave as a wildfire spreads on the city’s outskirts. The fire, first reported Saturday at 11:15 a.m. local time, has scorched approximately 10,500 acres and remains uncontained, according to officials.
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and activated the National Guard to assist firefighting and law-enforcement operations. > "This is an active and rapidly evolving situation and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials," Lombardo said.
Six people have been injured, including three emergency responders. About 13,700 homes fall within the evacuation zone, and two shelters have been opened for displaced residents. All Washoe County schools will be closed on Monday, except one, and several road closures are in effect.
Large air tankers and helicopters are conducting water and fire-retardant drops. The blaze, named the Hawk Fire after the nearby Hawk Meadow Trail, is attributed to human activity. The University of Nevada, Reno, continues normal operations while monitoring the situation.