Hawk Fire forces 90,000 to flee as crews battle uncontained blaze near Reno

A fast-moving wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada, has forced around 90,000 people to evacuate as firefighters struggle to contain a human-caused blaze that has already destroyed homes and injured six people.

The Hawk Fire, which began on Saturday, has grown to roughly 20 square miles (53 square kilometres) across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Officials said the fire remains uncontained and is under investigation, with no further details on how it started.

At least six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders. Local footage captured burning buildings and vehicles as firefighters worked to protect neighbourhoods and helicopters dropped water on the flames.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilised the Nevada National Guard, deploying two helicopter crews and 60 troops to support aerial firefighting and safeguard evacuated areas. Around 800 fire personnel are responding to the incident.

Authorities have ordered 42,000 residents to evacuate as the "GO NOW" zone expanded to the edge of the University of Nevada at Reno. An additional 45,000 people are in an adjacent evacuation warning zone. Officials urged everyone in the area to leave and prepare to stay away for several days, as shifting and strengthening winds are expected to make the fire more unpredictable.

The Reno-Sparks Convention Center has been opened as an evacuation shelter, though pets are not allowed there and must be taken to two other designated locations. Several Reno casinos have offered discounted hotel rooms to evacuees.

Power outages have affected nearly 10,000 customers in Washoe County on Sunday, down from a peak of 60,000 on Saturday. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway, have been closed due to the fire.

Reno, with a population of more than 280,000, is the largest city in Nevada outside of the Las Vegas metropolitan area.