October 3rd update:
The human-caused Bull fire is 40% contained and is holding at 1,274 acres.
Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue crews made progress overnight, with helicopters continuing to conduct water drops until around 1 a.m. Helicopters also applied retardant to some area.
The fire has reached the Hawk Fire burn scar, where limited fuels are providing a natural containment feature.
Fire activity is currently holding along the southern edge of the fire, and firefighters are working to keep the fire north of the Verdi, Somersett and Mogul communities.
Approximately 250 personnel are assigned to the fire, with the majority supporting suppression operations through hand crews, dozers, engines, overhead and air resources.
Investigators say the Bull fire is human-caused and investigation remains active.
October 2nd:
The Bull Fire has been remapped to 1,275 acres after briefly being reported to be 2,500 acres. It is 0% contained.
More than 500 firefighters are battling it, with seven air tankers and five helicopters contributing to efforts throughout the day.
Those aircraft stood down at dusk and were replaced with three night-flying helicopters that will work the fire overnight.
Fire crews are prioritizing keeping the fire north of Verdi and south of Cold Springs.
Fire activity has moderated, according to a press conference held Friday evening, and nobody has been injured.
‘Get Set’ evacuation zones have been put in effect West of Somersett Ridge in the Verdi area due to the fire.
Follow http://perimetermap.com for evacuations. If you are in a yellow warning zone, you should be collecting your go-bag, water/food, prescriptions, and other necessities in case you have to evacuate. Be ready and go if your zone turns to red.
As of 6:35 p.m., one resident is in the red Go Now evacuation zone, while more than 3,300 are in the yellow Get Ready zone.
The fire started after 10:45 a.m. on Friday.
An evacuation order has been issued for portions of Washoe County. You can see it in red -
Northern Nevada Public Health’s (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the Reno-Sparks area due to smoke from the Bull Fire, until further notice.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) to Unhealthy range for PM2.5 this evening into tomorrow morning for areas nearest and downwind of the fire.
Air quality can change quickly based on the wind and how active the fire becomes. Residents are encouraged to visit the AirNow.gov Fire and Smoke Map, or download the AirNow.gov app, to get the latest air quality updates to protect their health, especially those with respiratory health issues.
Sensitive groups – which include children, older adults, outdoor workers, and those with asthma or other lung diseases – should limit outdoor exposure when the AQI reaches USG (101-150 AQI). People with asthma should follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
Everyone else should consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense.
The Washoe County School District says Verdi Elementary School will do a controlled early release of students due to the Bull Fire. Families will need to pick up students in-person immediately. After-school activities are canceled for today.
The WCSD says the fire is also impacting school bus transportation for students who attend Westergard Elementary School, Billinghurst Middle School and McQueen High School. Students whose bus stops are in the yellow or red zones should remain at school until their families can pick them up in-person.
For information on current yellow and red zone classifications, click on this line
“While first responders are actively working to suppress the Bull Fire, I want to remind everyone to please stay away and give them the space they need to work safely,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “We know our community wants to stay informed and look out for one another, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation. Unnecessary traffic can delay emergency response and interfere with suppression efforts, so please help us by keeping roads clear and avoiding the incident area.”
Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue says the fire is burning in grass and brush moving at a moderate rate of spread.
Aircraft are working lower flank to keep it on the hill while engines and crews are working in from the west. Dozers are working in from the south.
TMFR says no buildings are immediately impacted.
There's no immediate word on how the fire started.
J Resort is offering a special $59 room rate with no resort fee for those who may need accommodations. To access the offer call 866-386-7829 with code: BULL26. This offer is not available to book online
The Silver Legacy, Eldorado, and Circus Circus Reno are offering emergency room rates for evacuated people of $59 per night with no resort fees. To book a room, call 1-800-223-7277 or book online using code SCLOC26.
