New Delhi, Aug. 23 -- Three weeks ago, Nevada National Guard helicopters were logging their final water bucket runs over the Bug and Fred Mountain fires north of Reno. By Friday morning, those same crews were being called back in.

a figure that placed it immediately among the most significant active fires in the country.

According to the Nevada Governor's Office, Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County before the day was done, unlocking state resources and streamlining a response to a fire that had already put roughly 1,000 homes in its path.

Reno Mayor Hilary Schieve did not soften the reality on the ground. "Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building," she sai...