A fast-moving wildfire near Reno, Nevada, has forced 42,000 people to evacuate and placed another 45,000 on alert, with officials saying the blaze was caused by human activity.
Six people have been injured and several homes have been destroyed as the fire spread through dry brush on the edge of residential areas.
Fire crews from across the region have been deployed to the area, supported by aircraft dropping water and fire retardant along the fire's advancing edge.
“We left with what we could carry. You could see the smoke over the ridge and it was getting closer every minute.”
Officials said strong winds and low humidity had made conditions difficult, allowing the flames to jump containment lines and move quickly towards neighbourhoods.
Temporary shelters have been opened at schools and community centres, and residents have been urged to follow evacuation orders promptly and keep up to date with official alerts.
Authorities have not given detailed information about how the fire started, but said investigators had determined it was not the result of natural causes such as lightning.
The western US has experienced longer and more intense fire seasons in recent years, which scientists link to rising temperatures, prolonged drought and changes in land use.
Local leaders thanked emergency workers for their efforts and appealed to the public to avoid activities that could spark new fires while conditions remain dangerous.
Smoke from the fire spread across the Reno area, prompting air quality warnings and advice for vulnerable people, including children, older residents and those with breathing conditions, to stay indoors where possible. Several schools and businesses closed as a precaution, and some flights were disrupted.
Officials said it was too early to estimate when residents would be allowed to return home.
