Nearly 90,000 told to evacuate as wildfire approaches Reno, Nevada
Nearly 90,000 residents near Reno, Nevada, have been ordered to evacuate or prepare to leave due to a rapidly spreading wildfire. The fire, which was human-caused, has burned over 10,000 acres and remains uncontained as emergency services and the National Guard respond.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the increasing threat of wildfires to populated areas in the American West, exacerbated by unpredictable weather conditions.
Figure caption, Plumes of smoke seen over Reno as thousands evacuate due to wildfires
Tens of thousands of people have been told to evacuate from an area close to Reno, Nevada, as a large wildfire reached the outskirts of the city.
Around 42,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes immediately, with a further 45,000 people urged to get ready to leave.
The fire, which was first reported on Saturday morning, had so far injured six people, officials said. Windy and unpredictable weather conditions have contributed to its spread.
Nevada's Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and ordered the National Guard to join firefighting and law enforcement efforts.
"This is an active and rapidly evolving situation and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials," he said.
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