Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1:27 P.M. update:
Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 1 will hold a press briefing at 3 p.m. Tuesday on the Bug/Fred Mountain and Stallion fires as crews prepare for continued fire movement and evacuation zones continue to expand.
We will air the briefing live on television and stream it live on our website and social media platforms. The briefing will include updates from the operations section chief and incident commander, as well as information on evacuations.
Officials said the Bug and Fred Mountain fire perimeter changed significantly Monday, with a major push to the north and fire activity extending into the Antelope Valley area. Crews are working to stop forward progress to the east and north.
Two structure protection groups have been divided around the Bug and Fred Mountain fires and are dedicated to protecting communities and structures.
The Stallion Fire also moved significantly to the east near State Route 446, and crews are working to protect nearby communities.
Officials said similar fire behavior to Monday is expected, with winds continuing to play a role. Additional aircraft have been requested to assist firefighters, while crews work to cool fire edges so ground resources can engage the fire directly.
The latest fire activity comes as GO NOW evacuation orders and GET READY warnings continue to expand, including into parts of North Spanish Springs, Nixon and Wadsworth.
Residents in affected areas should continue checking the latest evacuation information and be prepared to leave if a GO NOW order applies to their location.
Tuesday 8/11, 12:46 P.M. update:
Evacuation orders and warnings continue to expand Tuesday as the Bug/Fred Mountain and Stallion fires threaten more areas across northern Washoe and neighboring counties.
GO NOW evacuation orders have expanded into additional areas of North Spanish Springs, while GET READY evacuation warnings now extend into Nixon and parts of Wadsworth.
The three fires are driving the expanding evacuation zones, which continue to change as fire conditions develop. Residents in affected areas should check the latest evacuation map for their specific location and leave immediately if a GO NOW order applies to their home.
Parts of Wadsworth are now included in the expanded evacuation warning areas. Residents in warning zones should be prepared to leave if conditions worsen or an evacuation order is issued.
The evacuation zones associated with the Bug/Fred Mountain and Stallion fires overlap in several areas, making it important for residents to continue monitoring the latest map and emergency information.
Tuesday 8/11, 11:36 A.M. update:
GO NOW evacuation orders have expanded into many locations in North Spanish Springs as fire conditions continue to change and firefighters prepare for significant fire movement Tuesday.
Residents in affected areas should leave immediately when a GO NOW order applies to their location and should not wait for conditions to worsen. Evacuation zones can change as fire behavior develops, so residents should continue checking the latest evacuation map for their specific location.
Check the latest evacuation zones and information on Perimeter Map.
The evacuation expansion comes fire conditions could worsen quickly Tuesday as extremely dry fuels, hot temperatures and strong afternoon winds are expected to drive significant fire movement across the Bug, Fred Mountain and Stallion fires.
The Bug and Fred Mountain fires have now burned together, with the latest incident update listing the combined Bug and Fred Mountain area at 40,304 acres. The Stallion Fire remains a separate fire, although its evacuation zones overlap with areas affected by the Bug and Fred Mountain fires.
The separate Stallion Fire also saw significant growth to the east overnight and is now listed at 20,078 acres with 0% containment. The fire remains separate from the Bug and Fred Mountain fires, although evacuation zones associated with the three fires overlap in several areas.
Tuesday's forecast calls for west to southwest winds of 10 to 22 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Energy Release Components are above the 97th percentile, indicating critically dry fuels and a high potential for active fire behavior. Hot, dry and unstable conditions, along with poor nighttime humidity recovery, are expected to contribute to significant fire movement.
The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Bug, Fred Mountain and Stallion fires at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Firefighters are focusing on protecting communities, roads and utility infrastructure and will adjust tactics as conditions change.
The latest incident update lists 253 personnel assigned to the fires, along with two crews, 39 engines, three helicopters and five dozers. Containment is listed at 4% for the Bug Fire and 0% for both the Fred Mountain and Stallion fires.
What residents need to know
Evacuation conditions can change as fire behavior changes. More than 6,000 people have already been evacuated, with thousands more in warning areas. Residents should check the latest evacuation information to determine whether their home is affected and be prepared to leave if an evacuation order is issued.
Current evacuation information: Perimeter Map
The official evacuation center is the Evelyn Mount Community Center, 1013 Valley Road, Reno.
For animals, Washoe County Regional Animal Services is accepting small animals at 2825 Longley Lane. The large-animal shelter at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center currently has more than 150 animals. Residents who can safely relocate animals to friends or family are encouraged to do so. Livestock-related questions can be directed to 311.
Road closures remain in place on Red Rock Road between Moya Boulevard and American Flat Road and on Lemmon Drive at Ramsey Way. U.S. 395 remains open, and previously closed northbound offramps have reopened.
Smoke from the Bug, Fred Mountain, Stallion and other regional fires may affect communities and travel corridors. People who are sensitive to smoke should stay indoors when possible and continue monitoring local air-quality conditions.
This is the latest update. Additional background, evacuation information, road closures, firefighting operations and previous developments are detailed below.
Tuesday 8/11, 07:00 A.M. update:
The Bug Fire is now listed at 44,304 acres and is just 3% contained, according to the latest CAL FIRE incident update, while evacuation zones connected to the Bug, Fred Mountain and Stallion fires continue to expand and overlap.
Acreage figures are currently varying among fire reporting systems. CAL FIRE lists the Bug Fire at 44,304 acres, while other incident reporting systems are reporting different acreage figures for the Bug, Fred Mountain and Stallion fires. Officials continue to update fire perimeters as new mapping becomes available
The three fires remain separate incidents, but their evacuation zones have now grown into one another in several areas. For evacuation reporting, the fires will be addressed together as one developing situation.
More areas are now under GO NOW evacuation orders, while additional areas have been placed in GET READY zones.
Residents should check the latest evacuation map to see whether their home is affected and continue checking for changes as conditions develop.
The latest map shows the current evacuation zones and how they overlap across the areas affected by the three fires.
More than 6,000 people have been evacuated because of the fires, with thousands more in warning zones.
The Bug Fire began Saturday, August 8, northwest of Cold Springs along U.S. 395 near the Nevada-California border and moved east into Washoe County.
Residents in affected areas should remain prepared to evacuate and follow any GO NOW orders issued for their area.
Monday 8/10, 11:55 P.M. update:
Evacuation warnings have grown significantly for the Bug Fire, according to Perimeter Map.
Updates to warning zones can be seen in the map below.
The fire is now roughly 16,680 acres and is three percent contained.
Monday 8/10, 4:30 P.M. update:
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for the Bug and Fred Mountain Fires on Monday evening.
The state of emergency will be in place until August 17.
Washoe County has already declared a local emergency, and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony has declared a tribal emergency, the emergency declaration states.
More than 6,000 people have been evacuated due to the wildfires, with thousands more in warning zones.
The declaration notes that significant infrastructure is being impacted by the Bug and Fred Mountain Fires, including schools, power lines, natural gas lines, a water treatment facility, a local airport, and telecommunications sites.
The declaration directs all state agencies to work through the Nevada Emergency Operations Center to save lives, protect property, and protect health and safety.
The Office of Emergency Management will work alongside Homeland Security, the Nevada Division of Forestry, and FEMA.
A GoFundMe has been set up for a family who lost their home to the Bug Fire. You can read their story at this link.
Monday 8/10, 2:46 P.M. update:
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is speaking alongside emergency officials from the command post for the Bug and Fred Mountain Fires.
The press event started at 4:30 p.m., according to a release from the Governor’s Office.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo spoke alongside emergency officials from the command post for the Bug and Fred Mountain Fires.
Meanwhile, evacuation zones due to the fire are expanding. You can see the most recent updates to evacuations at this link.
Fire evacuations as of 4 p.m. on Monday.
Churchill County is offering covered stalls for horses and dry camping facilities for people evacuated due to the fires.
Stalls and dry camping facilities are located on Miners Road, off of Sheckler Road, in Fallon. Water is available, but evacuees need to provide their own livestock feed.
There is no charge for anyone coming from an evacuated area.
Those taking advantage of this offer are asked to clean up after themselves and their animals when they leave.
Please contact Hunter Giovanetti at (775) 460-4327 for further questions and to request accommodations.
Monday 8/10, 12:47 P.M. update:
The Bug Fire is now estimated at 17,000 acres and 4% contained, up from the previously reported 15,000-plus acres and 3% containment.
Approximately 5,500 people have now been evacuated, according to the latest incident information.
Fire officials say the fire remains active, with wind-driven runs, flanking and short-range spotting. Significant 3- to 6-mile runs occurred into the evening.
Rapid fire growth toward the east and Red Rock Road remains a concern. A complex incident management team has been ordered, and approximately 300 resources are assigned to the fire.
The fire is being managed under Unified Command between the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, with more than 12 mutual aid partners assisting.
Officials say west winds of 10 to 22 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, are expected this afternoon. Energy Release Components are in the 97th percentile, indicating extremely dry fuels.
The official evacuation center is now listed as Evelyn Mount Community Center, 1013 Valley Road, Reno.
The large-animal shelter at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center currently has more than 150 animals. Washoe County Regional Animal Services is accepting small animals at 2825 Longley Lane.
Check the latest evacuation zones and routes on Perimeter Map.
Monday 8/10 10:27 A.M. update:
FEMA has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help Nevada fight the Bug Fire, which has grown to more than 15,000 acres and remains 3% contained as evacuation areas continue to expand across the Reno-Sparks area.
The FEMA Region 9 acting regional administrator authorized the use of federal funds to assist Nevada in fighting the fire in Washoe County.
Nevada submitted the request for the grant on August 8, when the fire was threatening approximately 1,800 homes in and around Cold Springs and Silver Knolls. At that time, mandatory evacuations had been ordered for approximately 4,000 people, and the fire had burned more than 3,000 acres.
Fire Management Assistance Grants provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs. The grants are approved through FEMA to assist with fires that threaten to become major disasters.
Eligible costs can include field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies, and mobilization and demobilization activities related to fighting the fire.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay alert and continue checking the latest evacuation information and perimeter maps as conditions change.
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony issued an update at 6:48 a.m. Monday directing Hungry Valley residents to evacuate now because of the Bug Fire. Residents were told to leave immediately and follow directions from Tribal Police and emergency personnel.
Those evacuating were advised to take medications, identification, important documents, clothing, chargers and pet or livestock essentials.
The Reno Gym at 34 Reservation Road is serving as an evacuation center for Reno-Sparks Indian Colony residents.
Hungry Valley residents who need transportation, medical, mobility or other evacuation assistance can call (775)842-2902 or (775)895-9835.
Residents were also told not to travel toward the fire or block evacuation routes and to monitor RSIC RAVE Alerts and other Reno-Sparks Indian Colony communications for updates.
Evacuation centers and animal assistance
The Evelyn Mount Community Center, 1301 Valley Road in Reno, is available as an evacuation center. A trailer is set up there for small animals.
The Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center, 1350 N. Wells Ave. in Reno, is available for large animal evacuations. Enter through Gate 2.
Washoe County Regional Animal Services said it is assisting residents and animals affected by the Bug Fire. Staff are onsite at the large animal shelter, where more than 300 animals are currently being cared for.
Small animals being evacuated from evacuation areas can be accepted at the Washoe County Regional Animal Services shelter at 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A. Residents with small animals who are in an evacuation zone should call Animal Services Dispatch at (775)322-3647 to make arrangements.
Animal Services said it has limited resources and space. Residents who are able to safely evacuate their animals to a friend or family member's home are encouraged to do so.
Animal Services officers are assisting with large and small animal evacuations on a priority basis.
Residents should continue checking Perimeter Map for the latest evacuation zones and routes.
Hotel discounts for evacuees
Several local hotels are offering discounted room rates for people displaced by the fires. Offers are available for limited periods and while rooms last.
Nugget Casino Resort is offering special rates for people affected by the fires.
Peppermill Reno is offering evacuation rates through Wednesday, August 12:
North and West Wings: $55 per night
Peppermill Tower: $65 per night
Tuscany Tower: $95 per night
Resort fees are waived. To book, call (866)821-9996 and mention code HEVAC. Proof of residency is required at check-in.
Fred Mountain Fire
Another fire is burning off Red Rock Road northeast of the Bug Fire. Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District firefighters are fighting the Fred Mountain Fire, which has burned an estimated 1,393 acres and is 2% contained. The fire is spreading at a moderate rate of speed.
The evacuation zones for the Fred Mountain Fire overlap with evacuation zones for the Bug Fire.
Power has been shut down in the area to prevent additional fire starts and protect firefighters.
Evacuation warnings and orders are in effect for the Fred Mountain Fire area. Residents in and around the area are encouraged to monitor the Perimeter Map for updated evacuation maps and information.
Roads and firefighting operations
Road closures remain in place on Red Rock Road between Moya Boulevard and American Flat Road and on Lemmon Drive at Ramsey Way.
U.S. 395 remains open to traffic, and the northbound offramps that had previously been closed have reopened.
The Nevada Army National Guard has activated air crew and personnel with two firefighting-equipped helicopters, a CH-47 Chinook and a UH-60 Black Hawk to support aerial suppression efforts.
The Bug Fire began August 8 northwest of Cold Springs along U.S. 395 near the Nevada-California border and moved east into Washoe County.
The fire has prompted evacuations in areas including Cold Springs, Canyon Hills, White Lake, Silver Knolls and areas north of Cold Springs.
Residents should continue monitoring Perimeter Map for the latest evacuation zones, routes and updates as conditions change.
Sunday 8/9 10:45 P.M. update:
According to Cal Fire, acreage on the Bug Fire has jumped to 11,405 acres and is 3% contained.
Earlier reports had the fire at 20% containment, that has since changed.
The Nevada Army National Guard activated air crew and personnel today with two firefighting-equipped helicopters, a CH-47 Chinook and a UH-60 Black Hawk to support aerial suppression efforts.
You can see the latest evacuation zones on Perimeter Map.
All offramps on U.S. 395 north that were previously closed are now open.
There are still some road closures in place:
Red Rock Road between Moya Blvd and American Flat Road
Lemmon Drive at Ramsey Way
These are expected to remain closed at least until Monday.
Sunday 8/9 5:45 P.M. update:
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District says crews have made progress on containment of the Bug Fire.
The fire has scorched 7,500-acres.
All Cold Springs neighborhoods previously evacuated off White Lake and Village Pkwy areas are now open and residents may return home.
You can see the latest evacuation zones on Perimeter Map.
Around two thousand customers in the north valleys area are without power due to the fire. in a notice to customers, NV Energy said they shut off their equipment in the area because of its vicinity to the flames. Estimated restoration is 8 p.m.
All offramps on U.S. 395 north that were previously closed are now open.
There are still some road closures in place:
Red Rock Road between Moya Blvd and American Flat Road
Lemmon Drive at Ramsey Way
These are expected to remain closed at least until Monday.
Grand Sierra Resort is offering evacuees and fire crews a special room rate of $59 per night, with resort fees waived. Evacuees and fire crews can take advantage of the offer by visiting GrandSierraResort.com/Evacuee or calling the resort at 775-789-2000 and mentioning the code “EVACUEE.”
Peppermill Reno is offering special rates for those evacuated through August 12 with resort fees waived. Call 866-821-9996 and mention "HEVAC." Proof of residence required at check-in.
Sunday 8/9 morning update:
Crews worked throughout the night from the ground and air drops to protect structures. No structures are damaged according to Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.
The Bug Fire is still estimated at over 6,500 acres. Crews will be remapping it today.
Evacuations are still in effect. They will be reevaluated throughout the day.
Offramps at White Lake Parkway and Village parkway remain closed. U.S. 395 is open to traffic.
Saturday 8/8 11 p.m. update:
Fire crews are responding to a wildfire that started northwest of Cold Springs along U.S. 395 near the Nevada/California border.
The Bug Fire has burned an estimated 6,528 acres since starting Saturday afternoon and has moved east into Washoe County.
The fire is currently threatening the Cold Springs area, and evacuation orders are in place. At this time, no structures have been lost.
On northbound U.S. 395, Nevada Highway Patrol has closed both the White Lake and Village Pkwy exits due to the fire.
EVACUATION INFORMATION:
Washoe County:
Evacuate Now orders in place for portions of Cold Springs, Canyon Hills, White Lake, Silver Knolls and north of Cold Springs
Evacuation center is available at the Evelyn Mount Community Center - 1301 Valley Rd, Reno. A trailer is set-up for small animals.
Large Animal Evacuation Center is at the Reno Livestock Event Center - 1350 N. Wells Ave, Reno. Enter through gate 2.
Check Perimeter Map for live evacuation updates in Washoe County
Lassen County:
Evacuation Warning has now been issued for Zone: LAS-671-B
Sierra County:
An Evacuation Warning has been issued for Zone: SIE-E025
See a map and get the most current evacuation information in California at the Genasys Protect.
