[Anchor]
A massive wildfire has broken out in Reno, Nevada, an area often called the "Second Silicon Valley" where many tech startups from California have relocated. In just one day, an area 20 times the size of Yeouido in Seoul has been reduced to ashes, and evacuation orders have been issued for 90,000 residents.
Reporter Kim Young-a has the details.
[Reporter]
Smoke covering the sky has reached right behind a residential area.
The wildfire that began on the 22nd local time at Hawk Meadow Trail in northwestern Reno, Nevada, is spreading at an alarming rate.
In just 24 hours, it has swallowed 60 square kilometers, an area 20 times the size of Yeouido in Seoul.
So far, six people, including three residents and three firefighters, have been injured, and 42,000 residents have been urgently evacuated.
[Ricky Williams / Evacuated Resident: The flames spread so quickly. In less than 20 minutes, I received an evacuation alert and could see the fire coming down the hill.]
Although about 800 firefighters and the National Guard have been deployed, the official containment rate remains at 0%.
Fueled by gusting winds and shifting directions, the wildfire is now approaching densely populated urban areas.
[Cory Solferino / Reno Police Department: We just finished containing another wildfire only two weeks ago, but this fire is now entering within the city limits of densely populated Reno.]
Authorities have declared a state of emergency across the Reno area and issued additional evacuation alerts for 45,000 residents.
[Teresa Renshin / Wildfire Affected Resident: The wind direction might change and make the situation even worse. I have loaded all my belongings into my husband's car and my car, and we are prepared to evacuate immediately if necessary.]
Authorities stated it was not a natural ignition and are not ruling out the possibility of arson.
Reno, bordering California, is known as the "Second Silicon Valley" as Silicon Valley wealthy individuals, tech industry workers, and startups have moved there in large numbers to escape high taxes.
(Video Editing: Kim Byung-jik)
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