Nearly 90,000 told to evacuate as wildfire approaches Reno, Nevada

Authorities in western Nevada have ordered roughly 42,000 residents to immediately evacuate their homes as an aggressive wildfire bears down on the outskirts of Reno. An additional 45,000 individuals have been placed under a warning, bringing the total number of people impacted by the evacuation alerts to nearly 90,000.

The blaze began Saturday morning around 11:15 local time and investigators have determined the fire was human-caused. Fueled by strong and erratic winds, the flames have expanded rapidly across the landscape. By Sunday evening, the fire footprint had grown to approximately 10,500 acres, with firefighters reporting zero containment.

Emergency management agencies report that about 13,700 residences fall within the mandatory evacuation zones. Two emergency shelters have been established to accommodate displaced community members, while extensive road closures remain in effect throughout the affected sector.

Governor Joe Lombardo responded to the crisis by proclaiming a state of emergency for Washoe County. He also mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support local law enforcement and firefighting personnel on the ground. The military contribution includes 72 service members alongside a Chinook and a Black Hawk helicopter to assist with aerial operations.

Six injuries have been documented so far in connection with the incident, including three first responders who were hurt while battling the flames. Officials have noted that hazardous weather patterns continue to complicate containment strategies and hinder ground crews.

In response to the escalating danger, local school administrators announced that nearly all Washoe County schools will remain closed on Monday. Reno, situated in western Nevada near the California border, is home to a population of approximately 280,000 residents.

Emergency officials continue to urge the public to monitor local updates closely and comply immediately with all evacuation directives.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.