Nevada wildfire forces evacuations as Hawk Fire spreads

A fast-moving wildfire near Reno, Nevada, has forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate and prompted a state of emergency. The Hawk Fire, which started Saturday in the Washoe County foothills, has burned over 6,000 hectares (about 15,000 acres) and remains completely uncontained, with authorities describing its behavior as "extreme" Source: CNN, El Tiempo.

Evacuations and impact

Officials have ordered the evacuation of approximately 42,000 people, with another 45,000 under evacuation warning, totaling around 90,000 residents urged to leave Source: CNN, Infobae. The fire has destroyed homes and injured at least six people, including three firefighters and three civilians Source: Clarin, El Confidencial. Nearly 10,000 customers lost power in Washoe County, and sections of Highway 395 were closed Source: Infobae, Diario Libre.

Cause and response

Authorities say the fire was caused by human activity, though they have not determined whether it was intentional or accidental Source: CNN, Clarin. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency and mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support firefighting efforts Source: El Tiempo, Diario Libre. About 400 to 800 firefighters are battling the blaze, aided by helicopters and air tankers, but strong winds and dry conditions are hampering containment Source: Infobae, CNN.

What's next

Fire officials warn that changing winds could push the fire toward densely populated neighborhoods, and they urge residents to evacuate immediately if ordered. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center has been opened as a shelter, though pets are not allowed there Source: Diario Libre. The fire is the third major wildfire in the area in two weeks, all caused by human activity Source: Clarin.