Fast-Moving Wildfire Forces Nearly 90,000 Evacuations Near Reno, Nevada

Nearly 90,000 people have been told to evacuate or prepare to evacuate near Reno, Nevada, as the Hawk Fire reached the city's outskirts.

Around 42,000 people received immediate evacuation orders, with an additional 45,000 urged to prepare to leave their homes. The fire, first reported Saturday morning at 11:15 local time (18:15 GMT), has burned approximately 15,000 acres (23 square miles) across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt, Toiyabe National Forest. Six people have been injured, including three emergency responders and three civilians.

Local emergency services stated about 13,700 homes are within the evacuation area, and two shelters have been established for displaced residents. As of Sunday lunchtime, the fire had zero containment. Windy and unpredictable weather conditions have contributed to its rapid spread, with gusty winds fueling extreme fire behavior. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam urged residents to "Please get out if you can right now."

Lucia Starbuck, a local reporter for KUNR Public Radio, stated the fire has definitely exploded in size and is burning these dry desert hills with neighbourhoods at the bottom. Some homes have burned, but the exact number is not yet known. Nevada's Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and ordered the National Guard to assist.

The National Guard deployed 72 personnel, one Chinook, and one Black Hawk helicopter. Governor Lombardo stated, "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." All Washoe County schools, except one, will be closed Monday, and mass road closures are in place. More than 10,000 people were without power Sunday evening. Officials determined the fire was human-caused, but the precise cause remains under active investigation.