An uncontained, human-caused wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada, has destroyed homes and prompted authorities to urge around 90,000 residents to evacuate on Sunday.
At least six people were injured, according to officials.
The Hawk Fire started Saturday and quickly expanded to 20 square miles (53 sq. km.) across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, where rugged foothills are surrounded by homes and businesses near the California state line.
The blaze moved at an extraordinary speed Saturday night, leaping over fire engines and obstructing emergency responders trying to reach hotspots while residents fled, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said.
"It was extremely confusing," the sheriff said, describing how shifting winds sent flames in multiple directions.
Multiple structures were destroyed, and those injured included three civilians alongside three first responders, officials reported.
Authorities provided no further details on the origin of the fire, indicating it remains under investigation.
Approximately 42,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders after the "GO NOW" zone expanded to the edge of the University of Nevada at Reno.
An additional 45,000 people were placed in an adjacent warning zone. Officials urged everyone to leave and prepare to stay away for several days, as shifting and intensifying winds were expected to make the blaze even more unpredictable.
"Please get out if you can right now," the sheriff said.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard.
The deployment includes two helicopter crews for aerial firefighting and 60 troops helping police protect evacuated neighborhoods, joining 800 fire personnel on the scene.
Nearly 10,000 customers remained without power in Washoe County on Sunday, down from 60,000 on Saturday.
Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway, were closed. Reno, home to more than 280,000 residents, is Nevada’s largest city outside metro Las Vegas.
Emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center for evacuees, though pets were not allowed; owners were directed to leave small and large animals at two separate locations. Casinos in Reno offered room discounts to displaced residents.
The fire was so small Saturday morning that it was not a concern, said Tyler Duvall, who was camping over the weekend. By Sunday, his home was inside the evacuation zone and inaccessible.
"The wind really blew it up," Duvall said, adding that he knew of several homes that burned roughly a mile from his property.
Strong, gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation are continuing to fuel the blaze, according to Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in Reno.
