Tens of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate as a fast-moving wildfire swept toward the outskirts of Reno, Nevada, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency and deploy National Guard personnel to assist firefighting and emergency operations.

Around 42,000 people have been ordered to evacuate immediately, while another 45,000 have been told to prepare to leave as changing winds and extremely dry conditions continue to fuel the blaze.

The fire, named the Hawk Fire after the nearby Hawk Meadow Trail where it was first reported, has burned approximately 15,000 acres (23 square miles), according to the Washoe County emergency information center.

As of Sunday afternoon, authorities said no portion of the fire's perimeter had been contained.

At least six people have been injured, including three emergency responders battling the blaze, officials said.

Fire Chief Richard Edwards of Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue described the conditions confronting firefighters as “extreme,” while authorities warned that strong and unpredictable winds could cause the fire to expand rapidly.

Local officials said the fire was human-caused and was first reported at approximately 11:15 a.m. local time on Saturday.

Lucia Starbuck, a reporter for KUNR Public Radio, described the fire as having “exploded in size” as it moved through dry desert hills surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Some homes have reportedly been damaged or destroyed, although authorities had not yet established the exact number of structures lost.

Local emergency services said approximately 13,700 homes are located within the mandatory evacuation area.

Two emergency shelters have been established to accommodate residents displaced by the fire.

The evacuation orders include a large “go now” zone, where residents are required to leave immediately, and a broader “get set” area, where residents have been instructed to prepare for possible evacuation.

Although the evacuation zones do not currently extend into central Reno, they cover significant urban areas and affect part of a major highway.

Authorities have imposed widespread road closures as emergency crews work to contain the blaze and evacuate residents.

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

“This is an active and rapidly evolving situation and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials,” Lombardo said.

Fire crews have been supported by large air tankers and helicopters, which have been dropping water and fire retardant over the affected areas.

The combination of strong winds, dry vegetation and high temperatures has made firefighting particularly difficult.

All Washoe County schools, with one exception, are scheduled to remain closed Monday because of the wildfire and associated safety concerns.

The University of Nevada, Reno, whose main campus lies outside but close to the broader evacuation warning zone, said normal campus operations would continue while officials closely monitor the situation.

Residents have been urged to remain alert, keep evacuation supplies ready and follow instructions from emergency authorities.

Reno, a city of roughly 280,000 residents, lies in western Nevada near the California state line.

Wildfires are a recurring threat across the southwestern United States, including Nevada. Scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the likelihood of the hot, dry conditions that can contribute to rapid wildfire growth.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says wildfires are becoming increasingly severe, while Nevada is currently dealing with several major fires.

The Hawk Fire is particularly concerning because of its proximity to densely populated areas.

As firefighters continue battling the flames, authorities remain focused on protecting communities, evacuating residents and preventing the fire from reaching more neighborhoods.

With the blaze still uncontained and weather conditions remaining unpredictable, officials have warned residents that evacuation orders could be expanded if the fire continues to advance. (ILKHA)