A rapidly expanding wildfire, named the Hawk fire, has forced the evacuation of nearly 14,000 homes in Reno, Nevada. The blaze has covered more than 10,500 acres (4,200 hectares) since early Sunday, pushing from the Sierra foothills towards the city centre.
Strong, gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation have fuelled the fire, which has reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus. Reno's mayor, Hillary Schieve, urged residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately, stating that structures have already been burned.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe county and deployed the Nevada National Guard. Approximately 400 personnel, including ground crews and air resources from local, state, and federal agencies, are working to battle the fire. Two helicopter crews are supporting aerial firefighting operations, and 60 troops are assisting police in safeguarding evacuated neighbourhoods.
The rapidly expanding fire has left nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe county without power. Portions of US Route 395, a major highway, are closed due to the fire. Emergency officials have opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center for evacuees, with separate locations provided for pets.