A fast-growing wildfire destroying homes in northwest Reno, Nevada, was human-caused and uncontained, authorities said, as they encouraged some 90,000 people to evacuate. At least six people were injured.
The Hawk Fire began Saturday and quickly grew to 53km2 as it spread across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, where rugged foothills are ringed by homes and businesses on the Nevada side of the California state line.
The fire moved exceptionally fast Saturday night (local time), jumping over fire trucks and making it difficult for responders to get to hotspots while residents were trying to get out, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said.
"It was extremely confusing," the sheriff said, describing how changing winds sent the flames in different directions.
Several structures were destroyed and the injured included three civilians and three first responders, officials said. They did not provide additional details on how the fire was started, saying it was under investigation.
Unpredictable fire expands the danger zone
Some 42,000 residents have been ordered evacuated as the "GO NOW" zone expanded, reaching the edge of the University of Nevada at Reno. An additional 45,000 people were in the adjacent evacuation warning zone. Authorities implored all of them to leave and be prepared to stay away for several days, because shifting and strengthening winds were expected to make the fire even more unpredictable.
"Please get out if you can right now," the sheriff said.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, and mobilised the Nevada National Guard to support aerial firefighting with two helicopter crews as well as 60 troops to help police safeguard evacuated neighbourhoods. Also responding were 800 fire personnel.
Nearly 10,000 customers were without power in Washoe County on Sunday, down from 60,000 on Saturday. Portions of US Route 395, a major north-south highway, were closed due to the fire. Reno, with more than 280,000 residents, is the largest city in Nevada outside of metro Las Vegas.
Washoe County emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center to evacuees but said they couldn't bring their pets — small animals and large animals were to be left at two other locations. Casinos in Reno offered discounts on hotel rooms to evacuees.
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