Tens of thousands flee fire near U.S. city of Reno

Overnight, hundreds of thousands of people in the western U.S. city of Reno found themselves without a home as a wind-driven fire approached the city in Nevada, located near the California border. Schools were closed and smoke enveloped the area.

In Reno, roughly 24,000 residents were under evacuation orders, down from a peak of 40,000. Thousands more have been put on alert, with instructions to have their belongings ready at all times. The Hawk Fire, which began on Saturday, had grown to cover over 15,000 acres by Monday. Firefighters reported that they had managed to contain the blaze along 27% of its perimeter, which lies just five miles northwest of Reno.

No fatalities have been reported, but seven individuals were injured, including three first responders. At least 32 properties were completely destroyed, with several others damaged. Officials expressed concern that this number could rise as firefighters gained access to the fire's interior.

Fire officials believe the Hawk Fire was caused by human activity, though the investigation is ongoing. It is likely to be classified as undetermined. More than 900 firefighters were battling the flames using engines, helicopters, and bulldozers, while teams from Australia and New Zealand joined the effort alongside U.S. firefighters.

Fire Chief Richard Edwards from Truckee Meadows warned that the fire was human-caused but not yet determined if it was intentional or unintentional. He urged residents to be prepared to evacuate immediately if ordered to do so. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of evacuations. The wind-driven fire was continuing to move rapidly into residential areas, making timely evacuation crucial.