Kathmandu— A wildfire that erupted in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Reno, Nevada on Saturday has reached 27 percent containment as of Monday, but continues to threaten communities and has already devastated neighborhoods. The blaze has injured at least seven people – three first responders and four civilians – and destroyed at least 32 homes, with officials anticipating those numbers will rise as damage assessments continue. Approximately 63,000 residents remain under evacuation orders or warnings after the fire rapidly expanded over the weekend, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds.

Rapid Fire Spread Prompts Mass Evacuations

The wildfire quickly spread through sagebrush and grass, prompting widespread evacuations across Reno and Washoe County. At its peak, more than 90,000 people were under evacuation orders, though that number has since decreased to around 63,000. Schools in the area have been closed to facilitate emergency response efforts and keep roads clear. Residents expressed frustration at roadblocks as they attempted to return home, but authorities warned that even a small breeze could reignite embers and spread the flames.

Third Wildfire In Two Weeks

This is the third significant wildfire to impact the region north of Reno in just two weeks, according to fire officials. The cause of the Hawk Fire, named for its origin near the Hawk Meadow Trail, remains under investigation, though authorities have stated that all three fires were caused by human behavior. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve described the speed and intensity of the blaze as unlike anything she had ever witnessed. “It lit up these areas like nothing I’ve seen before,” she said Monday, adding, “it took your breath away, in the worst way.”

Community Impact And Response

The fire has resulted in significant property loss, with at least 32 homes destroyed and six damaged. Resident Crystal Hallock tragically lost her home for the second time in under a decade, having rebuilt after an electrical fire in 2019. Nevada’s governor declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the National Guard to assist with aerial firefighting and protect evacuated neighborhoods. Organizers of the annual Burning Man festival, which begins August 30th near Reno, have requested attendees be mindful of local resources and avoid taking hotel rooms from evacuees.

Widespread Western Wildfire Risk

The National Interagency Fire Center reports that much of Nevada’s western edge faces an increased risk of wildfires this week due to high winds and low humidity. The National Weather Service forecasts warm, dry, and breezy conditions, with critical fire weather possible later in the week. Nationwide, over 50,000 wildfires have been recorded this year – a ten-year high for this period – highlighting the growing threat of wildfires across the American West.

Fire crews continue to work towards full containment of the Hawk Fire while assessing damage and monitoring conditions for potential flare-ups. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.