TENS OF THOUSANDS EVACUATED AS WILDFIRE REACHES RENO

Tens of thousands of people in Reno, Nevada were evacuated over the weekend as the Hawk Fire spread rapidly towards the city. According to local officials, approximately 42,000 people were displaced or under active evacuation orders, with a further 45,000 instructed to prepare to leave. The fire began on Saturday north-west of the city and had burned 5,261 hectares by Sunday, officials said at a press conference. Six people were injured in total, comprising three civilians and three first responders, though no deaths were reported.

Officials stated the fire was human-caused but did not disclose further details about its origin, saying the matter remained under investigation. Richard Edwards, chief of Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, described conditions on Saturday as "extreme red flag conditions" with wind-driven flames moving exceptionally fast through residential areas. Darin Balaam, the Washoe county sheriff, said changing winds sent flames in different directions, creating confusion during evacuation efforts. Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe county lost power, and portions of US Route 395, a major north-south highway, were closed. Several mountaintop houses were destroyed.

Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe county in response to the fire. Reno's mayor, Hillary Schieve, urged residents who received evacuation orders not to delay their departure. About 800 people were deployed to support firefighting efforts, including crews from Australia and New Zealand. All but one school in Washoe county remained closed on Monday as authorities continued to manage the emergency.