The Reno wildfire has burned more than 15,000 acres and remains uncontained. Authorities fear sudden shifts in the wind could make a last-minute evacuation more dangerous.

About 42,000 people are under evacuation orders because of the wildfire near Reno, Nevada, while another 45,000 are under evacuation warnings and must be prepared to leave their homes.

  • Why it matters: Nearly 90,000 people are affected by evacuation measures, but not all have been ordered to leave. The fire can quickly change direction and threaten new communities.

Reno Wildfire Burns More Than 15,000 Acres With No Containment

The Reno wildfire had burned approximately 15,000 acres and remained 0% contained, according to the latest update from authorities cited by U.S. media outlets.

The fire began Saturday and rapidly spread toward areas near Reno, fueled by dry vegetation, strong winds and conditions that have made firefighters’ work more difficult.

  • The key detail: Six people were injured, including three first responders, The Washington Post and CBS News reported, citing authorities.

Structures have also reportedly been destroyed or damaged. However, there is still no definitive official count of the properties affected.

Authorities believe the wildfire was caused by human activity, although that does not necessarily mean it was intentionally set. The specific cause remains under investigation.

Reno Wildfire Changes Direction, Increasing the Danger

One of the main risks is how quickly the Reno wildfire can change direction as winds shift.

CBS News reported that the fire’s behavior has complicated operations and made it difficult to predict which communities could be threatened in the coming hours.

  • The risk: A mass evacuation at the last minute could congest roads, make it more difficult for families to escape and hinder access for emergency crews.

For that reason, Washoe County authorities have urged residents under evacuation warnings to be ready to leave before the flames approach their homes.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and ordered the National Guard to assist firefighting and law enforcement efforts.

What People Under Evacuation Warnings Should Do

Authorities in Nevada distinguish between people who must evacuate immediately and those who can still remain in their homes but need to be ready to leave.

  • The difference is important: Approximately 42,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes, while another 45,000 are under evacuation warnings.
  • What to do: Families who have not yet been ordered to evacuate should prepare documents, medications, essential items and supplies for their pets, as well as establish an evacuation route.

Washoe County’s official emergency service continues to update maps showing areas under evacuation orders or warnings, along with road closures and available shelters.

Authorities recommend checking those official channels frequently and reserving 911 calls exclusively for emergencies, as conditions and evacuation orders in Reno can change rapidly due to the wildfire.