42,000 people evacuated near Reno due to wildfire
The fast-moving, wind-driven Hawk Fire forced about 42,000 residents to evacuate near the city of Reno in the US state of Nevada. The blaze has already destroyed an undetermined number of homes, and at least six people were injured, Deutsche Welle English reports.
Fire spreads across up to 15,000 acres
The fire began on Saturday morning near the Hawk Meadow Trail and quickly spread through the Peavine Peak area northwest of Reno. By Sunday, the fire had covered approximately 13,000 to 15,000 acres.
According to officials, the evacuation order zone covered nearly 90,000 residents. About 42,000 people were ordered to leave their homes, while another 45,000 were told to be ready to leave. The evacuation zone reached the outskirts of the University of Nevada in northwest Reno.
Injuries and state of emergency
According to local authorities, three rescuers and three civilians were injured. Officials said the fire was caused by human activity but did not release further details.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Fire Chief Richard Edwards told AFP that strong winds were making the situation dynamic and contributing to the rapid spread of the fire toward residential areas.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and deployed the National Guard. Two helicopters and 60 service members were sent to assist with firefighting and provide security.
Power outages and hospital evacuations
On Sunday, nearly 10,000 customers in Washoe County remained without electricity, compared with about 60,000 the previous day. Part of US Route 395 was closed, and patients were evacuated from two hospitals. Reno-Tahoe Airport was outside the evacuation zone and continued operating normally.
