Nearly 90,000 told to evacuate as wildfire approaches Nevada

Nearly 90,000 residents have been instructed to evacuate an area near Reno, Nevada, as a large wildfire approaches the city limits. Around 42,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes immediately, while an additional 45,000 are urged to prepare for an evacuation. The fire, which began on Saturday morning, is expected to burn for another two days, with no clear timeline for residents to return home.

Officials have warned that the wildfire is expected to spread rapidly due to windy and unpredictable weather conditions. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and ordered the National Guard to assist with firefighting and law enforcement efforts. The fire, which was caused by human activity, has so far injured six individuals, including three emergency responders.

Around 15,000 acres of land have been burned, and around 13,700 homes are located within the evacuation zone. Two shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced residents. The University of Nevada in Reno, located just outside the evacuation zone, has advised regular campus operations to continue while monitoring the situation.

Large air tankers and helicopters have been deployed to fight the fire, dropping water and fire retardants. Residents, such as Justin Davis, have taken matters into their own hands, using water trucks to save their homes from the blaze. The Hawk Fire, named after the Hawk Meadow Trail where it was first reported, has grown significantly since its initial detection and continues to expand without containment.

Reno, a city of approximately 280,000 people, is situated near the state boundary with California and is experiencing one of many wildfires in the Southwestern US that have become increasingly severe due to climate change.