Bug Fire expands to over 15,000 acres, evacuation orders widened in Reno-Sparks area
The Bug Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres in Nevada, prompting expanded evacuation orders and the activation of National Guard air assets, while a separate Fred Mountain Fire burns about 1,400 acres nearby.
The wildfire known as the Bug Fire has grown to over 15,000 acres and is only 3% contained, prompting additional evacuation orders across the Reno-Sparks area. Authorities have asked residents to stay alert, monitor perimeter maps and avoid travel toward the fire.
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony issued an urgent notice at 6:48 a.m., directing residents of Hungry Valley to evacuate immediately and follow Tribal Police instructions. Evacuees were advised to bring personal items such as medication, identification, clothing, chargers and supplies for pets or livestock. The designated shelter for Hungry Valley residents is the Reno Gym at 34 Reservation Road, and assistance can be requested by calling the provided numbers.
The fire, which ignited Saturday near U.S. 395 northwest of Cold Springs along the Nevada-California border, has spread eastward into Washoe County, affecting neighborhoods including Cold Springs, Canyon Hills, White Lake, Silver Knolls and areas north of Cold Springs. Evacuation zones are updated on the Perimeter Map.
A second blaze, the Fred Mountain Fire, is burning on Red Rock Road northeast of the Bug Fire. It has consumed an estimated 1,393 acres and is 2% contained. Evacuation zones for the two fires overlap, and power has been shut off in parts of the area to protect firefighters.
The Nevada Army National Guard has deployed two firefighting-equipped helicopters, a CH-47 Chinook and a UH-60 Black Hawk, to support aerial suppression efforts. Road closures remain on Red Rock Road between Moya Boulevard and American Flat Road and on Lemmon Drive at Ramsey Way, while U.S. 395 remains open.
"Residents are urged to stay alert and continue checking the latest evacuation information and perimeter maps as conditions change," the tribal update read.
Evacuation centers are operating at the Evelyn Mount Community Center (for people and small animals) and the Reno Livestock Event Center (for large animals). The fire has forced power outages for roughly 2,000 customers in the north valleys, with restoration expected later in the evening.