Environment & Climate
Texas and Nevada wildfires trigger evacuations and destroy properties
A fast-moving wildfire in north central Texas has burned over 78 square miles, while firefighters in Reno, Nevada, make progress on a blaze that destroyed dozens of homes.
The short version
- The Ross Fire in rural north central Texas has rapidly expanded to cover more than 78 square miles since starting Monday afternoon, prompting evacuations and school closures.
- In Reno, Nevada, containment of the Hawk Fire has increased to 27% after it destroyed over 30 homes and caused at least seven injuries.
- Active wildfires are spreading across the southern and western U.S. due to persistent dry weather, with over 50,000 wildfires recorded nationwide this year.
Key facts
- The Ross Fire has burned through ranchland in Palo Pinto and a neighboring county about 60 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas.[Associated Press]
- At least five structures have been destroyed by the Ross Fire, and local emergency officials expect the fire to continue growing.[Associated Press]
- In Nevada, the Hawk Fire has burned approximately 23 square miles near Reno and is 27% contained as of Monday.[Associated Press]
- The Hawk Fire has destroyed more than 30 homes and caused injuries to at least three first responders and four civilians.[Associated Press]
- Evacuation orders and warnings in the Reno area were reduced to cover about 63,000 residents, down from an initial peak of over 90,000.[Associated Press]
- According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the U.S. has experienced over 50,000 wildfires so far this year, marking a 10-year high for the period.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The exact cause of the Nevada fire remains under investigation, though authorities attribute it generally to human activity, either accidental or intentional.[Associated Press]