Tens of thousands evacuated in Nevada as wildfire nears Reno

Authorities evacuated tens of thousands of residents from Reno, Nevada on Sunday as a wildfire approached residential neighborhoods in the north of the city, with new evacuation orders issued for additional residents.

Local officials said around 42,000 people have been displaced or are currently being evacuated, while another 45,000 are preparing to leave as the Hawk Fire moves closer to northern Reno, the state's third-largest city by population.

Footage broadcast by local television showed flames nearing roadways, while a video captured by witnesses and verified by Reuters showed smoke rising from hills above nearby residential areas.

Officials said at a press conference on Sunday that the fire has so far consumed about 5,261 hectares, or 13,000 acres, noting that it was caused by human activity and remains under investigation.

Shane Ackerson, a senior fire and rescue official, stated that three civilians and three emergency personnel have been injured as a result of the fire.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency late Saturday in Washoe County, which includes Reno and parts of Lake Tahoe.

Meanwhile, Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the evacuation zone, and commercial flights continued to operate normally on Sunday.