More than 40,000 evacuate as wildfire nears Reno in western US

A fast-moving wildfire has prompted the evacuation of over 40,000 residents near Reno, the largest city in the western U.S. state of Nevada, as it inches closer to the metropolis. The Hawk Fire, which started a day ago, has spread to 15,040 acres (6,087 hectares) and is currently located five miles (8km) northwest of Reno, in a metropolitan area of more than 280,000 inhabitants.

Reno's mayor, Hillary Schieve, informed CNN that 42,000 people have already left their homes, while an additional 45,000 have been instructed to be prepared to depart.

The blaze has already torched some mountaintop dwellings and has caused injuries to six individuals, including three first responders, according to local media. Photographs shared on X by the local fire department depicted flames and towering smoke plumes atop mountains that overlook the city. Governor Joe Lombardo of Nevada declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, where Reno is situated.

Incident Commander Richard Edwards of the Reno fire department cautioned that the Hawk Fire is displaying extreme fire behavior and is being propelled by strong winds. He urged people to be ready to evacuate immediately upon receiving the appropriate notification, or even sooner, as the wind-driven conflagration moves rapidly into residential zones.