In brief
A fast‑moving wildfire has compelled nearly 90,000 residents in Washoe County to evacuate or prepare to leave as flames reach the outskirts of Reno, Nevada. The fire, first reported on Saturday at 11:15 local time, has burned roughly 10,500 acres and burned 13,700 homes, with 0% containment so far. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency and deployed the National Guard, while six people—three responders—have been injured. Schools and major roads are closed, and shelters have been opened to shelter the displaced.
Tens of thousands of residents have been told to leave their homes as a rapid wildfire overtakes the outskirts of Reno, Nevada. In the last 24 hours, 42,000 people have received evacuation orders, while another 45,000 have been urged to prepare for potential evacuation.
The blaze, first reported at 11:15 local time on Saturday, has spread to about 10,500 acres and remains 0% contained. Initial investigations attribute the fire to human activity.
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and ordered the National Guard to join the firefighting and law enforcement efforts. The National Guard’s presence has included 72 personnel, a Chinook helicopter and a Black Hawk, setting up extra aerial support to combat the flames.
Officials report that about 13,700 homes lie within the evacuation zone, and two shelters have been established to house displaced residents. Of the six injuries sustained in the fire, three were emergency responders engaged in firefighting operations.
All schools in Washoe County are scheduled to close on Monday with the exception of one, and major road closures are in effect. Residents are advised to stay informed and follow local officials’ directives.
If you are in the affected area and can safely do so, please share your story.
