As wildfires sent smoke across Northern Nevada this week, local officials confirmed that the region was simultaneously struck by another rapidly spreading phenomenon: people texting everyone they have ever met in Reno to ask if they are okay.

Within minutes of national news outlets showing footage of smoke somewhere vaguely near Washoe County, Reno residents reported receiving messages from relatives, former coworkers, college roommates, ex-neighbors and people they last spoke to at a wedding in 2017.

“OMG JUST SAW RENO ON THE NEWS. ARE YOU SAFE????”

The messages quickly overwhelmed local residents, many of whom were sitting comfortably at home several miles from the fire trying to determine why their phone had suddenly become more active than on their birthday.

“I appreciate the concern,” said South Reno resident Mark Peterson, “but after the 14th text, I started wondering if everyone else knew something I didn’t.”

By afternoon, Peterson had developed a standardized response:

“Yes. We’re fine. Fire is nowhere near us. Thanks for checking.”

He later shortened it to:

“Fine. Thx.”

By 6 p.m.:

“👍”

Emergency officials urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly because television maps depicting Reno as a single red dot have led millions of Americans to conclude that the entire 110-square-mile city is currently on fire.

The situation worsened after one resident posted a dramatic photograph of an orange sunset caused by wildfire smoke. The image was shared nationally with the caption “Pray for Reno,” prompting another estimated 37,000 text messages.

Authorities say the greatest danger now may be to Reno residents with mothers.

“My mom has called four times,” said one resident. “I told her the fire is 25 miles away. She asked if we had packed the car.”

Officials expect the crisis to subside once the wildfire is contained or national television stops mentioning Reno, whichever happens first.

Until then, residents are being advised to keep windows closed, monitor evacuation notices and maintain at least 60% battery capacity for reassuring people in other states that Nevada has not burned down.