Tens of thousands evacuated as fire bears down on US city

Reno, Nevada, remains in a state of emergency as tens of thousands of residents are still evacuated following a wind-driven wildfire that has ravaged the western Nevada city. The Hawk Fire, which began on Saturday, has scorched 15,051 acres of parched landscape near the California border, home to around 280,000 people. Mayor Hillary Schieve reported that 42,000 individuals have already been forced to leave their homes, with an additional 45,000 told to prepare for evacuation.

Six people have been injured, including three firefighters, and several mountaintop houses have been destroyed. The fire was human-caused, though the exact origin remains unconfirmed. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze using a combination of fire engines, helicopters, and bulldozers. Over the next 24 hours, the fire could experience periods of moderate to high-intensity runs in pockets of dense fuels, depending on wind and topography.

Hot, dry, and breezy conditions are expected to persist, fueling the fire's activity. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, urging residents to be prepared for immediate evacuation when ordered. Fire chief Richard Edwards emphasized the fire's dynamic nature, driven by strong winds, and urged those who have been notified to evacuate without delay.