Wildfire destroys dozens of homes in Reno, Nevada

Wildfire destroys dozens of homes in Reno, Nevada

2011-11-20 17:36:57 GMT+7 (ICT)

RENO, NEVADA (BNO NEWS) -- A wildfire which broke out near Reno in Nevada this week has destroyed dozens of homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate, officials said. The fire was more than 80 percent contained as of Sunday.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday and quickly spread, becoming a three-alarm fire within hours and threatening thousands of homes in the city of Reno. The fire had burned some 2,000 acres (810 hectares) as of late Saturday, and officials said the blaze is now 80 percent contained.

Reno Fire Chief Hernandez said at least 32 homes have been destroyed in the fire, while at least five others have been damaged. "It is important to remember that this is nothing short of a miracle," said Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. "Four thousand homes were saved by 400 firefighters."

Nearly 10,000 people were evacuated on early Friday morning, but most were allowed to return home on Saturday. Sierra Fire Chief Mike Brown said firefighters expect the blaze, which has been named the Caughlin Fire, should be fully controlled by mid-week.

On Friday, officials said one person had died as a result of a heart attack while evacuating the area. Additionally, one firefighter was also taken to a local hospital with first- and second-degree burns.

Governor Sandoval previously made a state declaration of emergency which qualifies local governments for federal assistance associated with the Caughlin Ranch fire. "Declaring a state of emergency ensures that every resource from the local, state and federal level is available to assist," he said on Friday.

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