Reno Wildfire Evacuates 24,000 Residents as Smoke Threatens City

A wind‑driven wildfire that has engulfed parts of Nevada’s Sierra Nevada foothills forced tens of thousands of residents to spend another night away from home. On Monday, the blaze pushed thick smoke over the city of Reno, prompting the closure of schools and the suspension of non‑essential services. The fire’s rapid spread, aided by strong gusts, raised concerns about air quality and the safety of nearby communities.

At the height of the emergency, more than 40,000 people were under evacuation orders. By Monday, that number had fallen to roughly 24,000, although the city still had tens of thousands of residents on alert, monitoring updates from emergency officials. Fire crews and the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources continue to work to contain the flames while authorities assess the risk to infrastructure and public health.

Officials say the situation remains fluid, with weather conditions and fire behavior dictating the pace of the response. Residents are advised to stay informed through local news outlets and the city’s emergency alert system as the situation evolves.