In brief
A large wildfire has forced nearly 90,000 people to evacuate from the outskirts of Reno, Nevada, with additional residents urged to prepare for removal. The blaze, first reported Saturday morning, has burned an estimated 10,500 acres and remains 0% contained amid windy, unpredictable weather. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, sending in the National Guard and deploying aircraft to support firefighting efforts. Six people, including three emergency responders, were injured, and two shelters have been set up for displaced residents. Schools will be closed and major roadways shut down as authorities work to protect the city.
Nearly 90,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as a large wildfire threatens the outskirts of Reno, Nevada.
About 42,000 people were told to leave immediately, while an additional 45,000 were urged to get ready to evacuate. The fire, first reported on Saturday morning, has already burned an estimated 10,500 acres and remains 0% contained.
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, calling in the National Guard and deploying a Chinook and a Black Hawk helicopter to assist firefighting and law‑enforcement efforts. In total, 72 personnel have joined the response.
Windy and unpredictable weather has fueled the blaze’s rapid spread. Officials confirmed the fire was caused by humans, and it began at 11:15 local time (18:15 GMT) Saturday.
Of the six injured so far, three were emergency responders battling the flames. Approximately 13,700 homes lie within the evacuation zone, with two shelters set up for displaced residents.
All Washoe County schools will be closed on Monday, except one, and several major roads are shut down as authorities work to safeguard the area.
For residents in the area: Share your story here if it is safe to do so.
