Wooden steps burn after wildfires in Southwest Reno, destroyed several homes in the Juniper Hills area. As many as 500 homes were threatened by the blaze that grew to more than two square miles (5.2 square kilometers) within hours of igniting in brush above the neighborhood, Reno Fire Chief David Cochran said late Tuesday. The Reno Gazette Journal reported that one of its photographers saw at least five homes burn. "We are working to protect homes to the extent that we can,” he said. Police Chief Jason Soto said he was increasing patrols in evacuated neighborhoods to help protect homes and businesses.