42,000 Displaced Near Reno as Wildfire Burns 13,000 Acres
A fast-moving wildfire has burned 13,000 acres on the outskirts of Reno, Nevada, forcing emergency officials to order sweeping evacuations across Washoe County. Authorities have displaced or placed roughly 42,000 residents under active evacuation orders, while an additional 45,000 individuals remain under instructions to prepare for immediate departure as flames approach northern neighborhoods of Nevada’s third-most-populous city.
Six Injured as Flames Reach the Outskirts of Northern Reno
Evacuation zones span from the Sierra Nevada hills to the University of Nevada in northwest Reno, though Reno-Tahoe International Airport remains operational outside the hazard zone. Three civilians and three first responders have sustained injuries during containment operations, fire and rescue operations commander Shane Akerson confirmed.
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Chief Richard Edwards stated that crew members first responded to reports of a blaze off Hawk Meadow Trail at approximately 11:15 a.m. PDT on Saturday. Firefighters encountered extreme red flag conditions, characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, and powerful wind gusts, that pushed the fire rapidly through dry terrain.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County, which encompasses Reno and portions of Lake Tahoe. To reinforce local containment efforts and assist the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Lombardo authorized the deployment of 60 National Guard personnel alongside two military helicopters. Emergency officials confirmed the fire was human-caused and that the incident remains under active investigation.
