Major wildfire in the US: 40,000 people evacuated from their homes
More than 40,000 people have been evacuated and another 45,000 are under evacuation orders as a wildfire rages in the US state of Nevada. The Hawk fire has grown to more than 6,000 hectares in just 24 hours and is now within 5 miles of Reno. Six people, including three firefighters, have been injured.
A huge wildfire in the US has forced 40,000 people to flee their homes.
A large wildfire is raging in the western US state of Nevada, near the border with California. Reno Mayor Hillary Shive told CNN that more than 40,000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to the rapidly spreading fire. Another 45,000 residents have been advised to prepare for possible evacuation.
The Hawk fire began on August 22. Within a day, the area covered by the fire had grown to more than 6,000 hectares. The fire is spreading about 8 kilometers from Reno. Reno, located near the California border, is home to more than 280,000 people. It is the largest city in Nevada outside of the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
According to media reports, at least six people were injured in the fire, including three firefighters. Several residential buildings were also reported to have burned down.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, the county seat of which is Reno. He said the fire was spreading rapidly and was threatening homes. Schools in Washoe County were closed on August 24.
Emergency services, citing preliminary information, said the fire was caused by human activity. However, no further details have been released at this time. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
According to the fire department, hot and dry weather in the area and strong winds are creating conditions for the fire to spread rapidly. Dry grass and shrubs are burning mainly.