Jakarta, ThedailyID — About 42,000 people in Reno, Nevada, have evacuated after the Hawk Fire reached the outskirts of the US city.
The wildfire began on August 22 near Peavine Peak in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Officials have not yet determined what caused the blaze.
The fire spread rapidly through dry vegetation amid strong winds and low humidity. By Sunday morning (23/08), it had burned about 13,000 hectares of land.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County on Saturday night (22/08). The county includes Reno and parts of the Lake Tahoe area.
“This is an active and rapidly evolving situation, and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the directions of local officials,” Lombardo said, as quoted by Reuters, (24/08).
Lombardo also deployed two National Guard helicopters to support firefighting efforts. Sixty National Guard personnel were sent to assist the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
Meanwhile, Reno-Tahoe International Airport remains outside the evacuation zone. Commercial flights continue to operate normally.
Authorities have also ordered another 45,000 residents to prepare for possible evacuation as the wildfire continues to threaten communities around Reno.
