Tens of thousands of people were preparing to spend another night away from their homes on Monday August 24 in Nevada, as a fire progressed towards Reno, one of the main cities of this western American state.
On the recommendation of local authorities, schools were closed Monday throughout Washoe County, which includes the greater Reno area (population 280,000).
About 24,000 people were still under an evacuation order Monday, authorities said. Tens of thousands more were placed on alert and told to pack bags so they could leave at a moment’s notice.
The fire has ravaged more than 6,000 hectares since it broke out on Saturday in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Firefighters claimed to have contained 27% of its perimeter.
No deaths have been reported at this stage but the flames have already destroyed houses located on the top of the mountains and injured seven people, including three rescuers, according to local media.
The hundreds of American firefighters mobilized against the fire, called “Hawk Fire”, received support from specialized teams from Australia and New Zealand.
Human-caused fire
Local Fire Chief Richard Edwards told a news conference Monday that the fire was “human-caused.” “We do not know whether it was started intentionally or accidentally. Investigators are therefore continuing their work on this matter. In all likelihood, the origin of this fire will be classified as undetermined,” he added.
He had previously urged the population to be ready to evacuate immediately as soon as they were ordered to do so. “The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic event for us because it is wind-driven. Wind-powered fires spread very quickly toward our residential areas,” he warned.
“If you’ve been asked to evacuate, don’t wait!” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve.
Reno is located in northwest Nevada, near the California border and the Lake Tahoe tourist area in the Sierra Nevada.
With AFP
