A rapidly spreading wildfire near Reno, Nevada, prompted mandatory evacuations for about 42,000 residents and placed an additional 45,000 people on alert, local authorities said.
Evacuations and alerts
Officials described the fire as fast-moving and issued evacuation orders for communities in the blaze's projected path, while thousands more were told to be prepared to leave if conditions worsen. The large numbers reflect the fire's proximity to populated areas around Reno, a city in western Nevada.
Cause and response
Authorities have attributed the blaze to human activity. State and local agencies are involved in the response, and officials have been coordinating warnings and movement orders to try to protect residents in threatened neighborhoods.
Ongoing developments
Details about the exact cause, the fire's name, the acreage burned and the status of containment were not immediately available. Officials are continuing to monitor the situation and update evacuation guidance as conditions evolve.