On Saturday, August 22, the Hawk fire that broke out in the outskirts of Reno, Nevada, rapidly spread, with the current burning area reaching about 15,000 acres and causing at least 6 injuries. Due to the intense blaze, local officials have ordered over 42,000 residents to evacuate immediately, with an additional 45,000 people receiving evacuation warnings.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, and ordered state government agencies to support local disaster relief efforts through the Nevada Emergency Operations Center.
With the wind direction continuously changing, authorities warn that the fire may still abruptly change direction, urging residents in the warning zone to evacuate early and prepare for several days of being unable to return home.
Local officials have stated that the wildfire was caused by human factors and is still under investigation. However, it has not been clarified whether it was accidental or intentional arson.
The news of the wildfire approaching Reno, Nevada has prompted tens of thousands of people to evacuate urgently.