RENO, Nev., Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Hundreds of Nevada firefighters battled a rare winter brushfire, driven by powerful winds, that forced about 10,000 residents to flee, officials said.
The fire, pushed by winds gusting in excess of 80 mph, had burned about 3,700 acres south of Reno.
It destroyed an undetermined number of homes and other buildings, The Reno (Nev.) Gazette-Journal reported Friday.
As of late Thursday, the fire was reported zero percent contained and flames were visible for 10 miles.
"This fire was totally wind-driven," said Reno Fire Chief Michael Hernandez. "It went through some subdivisions, and unfortunately, some structures were lost."
Gov. Brian Sandoval declared a state of emergency Thursday after the fire grew to nearly 6 square miles, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Officials said an appearance by Vice President Joe Biden at a local high school had to be cut short because of the wildfire.
