Reno: Tens of thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes on Monday due to a massive wildfire that broke out last Saturday in Washoe County, Nevada. Authorities declared a state of emergency and warned of the fire’s rapid spread.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the fire started in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is believed to have been caused by human activity. The fire has already consumed approximately 60,000 acres and, as of Sunday evening, reached the outskirts of Reno, the state’s fourth-largest city. The blaze has forced at least 90,000 people to evacuate their homes and flee areas threatened by the flames.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and requested the National Guard’s assistance in firefighting efforts. Lombardo stated, “The situation is deteriorating rapidly, and I urge residents in the danger zones to remain vigilant.” Firefighters have yet to contain the fire, and residents of surrounding towns and areas not yet under evacuation orders have been advised to prepare to leave their homes.

Fire chief Richard Edwards said the fire was changing rapidly due to strong winds. According to official figures, approximately 13,000 homes have burned since the fire began, and six people have been injured.