India, Aug. 23 -- Emergency responders are battling an aggressive wildfire northwest of Reno that has exploded in size to an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 acres, triggering mandatory evacuation orders for residents near Somersett and Verdi. The blaze, designated as the Hawk Fire, broke out late Saturday morning near the Somersett Golf and Country Club before high winds and parched vegetation caused it to surge rapidly across the rugged terrain.

Fire officials and mutual aid crews rushed to the scene as heavy smoke billowed over the region, darkening skies and drawing immediate concern from regional authorities. "The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can con...