Fast-Moving "Bug Fire" Explodes to 15,000 Acres Along California-Nevada Line, Triggering Evacuations North of Reno

RENO, NV — Emergency wildland response crews, backed by Nevada Army National Guard air units, are battling the rapidly expanding Bug Fire, which has surged to 15,000 acres along the California-Nevada border and forced mandatory “EVACUATE NOW” orders across northern Washoe County.

First igniting Saturday afternoon off U.S. Highway 395 in Lassen County, California, the wind-driven blaze swept east across state lines, threatening communities north of Reno including Cold Springs, Hungry Valley, and Silver Knolls.

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|             BUG FIRE EMERGENCY RESPONSE DOSSIER        |
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|  - Total Burned Footprint: ~15,000 Acres                |
|  - Overall Containment: 3%                             |
|  - Primary Jurisdiction: BLM Carson City, USFS, CAL FIRE|
|  - Key Evacuation Zones: Hungry Valley, Cold Springs,  |
|                         Silver Knolls, Canyon Hills    |
|  - Primary Shelter: Evelyn Mount Community Center      |
|  - Tribal Shelter: Reno Gym (34 Reservation Rd)        |
|  - Federal Support: FEMA Fire Management Grant Approved|
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Wind-Driven Spread and Tribal Evacuations

Fueled by dry sagebrush, steep terrain, and afternoon gusts, the fire’s rapid expansion prompted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to bolster state and local suppression efforts.

On Monday, mandatory evacuation orders were extended to Hungry Valley, where the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony directed residents to evacuate immediately. NV Energy shut down electrical and gas infrastructure in the area to protect crews and prevent additional ignitions.

“Crews worked through extreme wind conditions to protect structures along the valley floor,” stated regional interagency fire commanders. “Our primary focus remains establishing anchor lines and protecting lives and homes as weather conditions fluctuate.”

Air Support and Shelter Operations

The Nevada Army National Guard activated CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to execute heavy water drops across active mountain flanks. Ground units from Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, Reno Fire, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continue constructing handlines around threatened perimeters.

Human Evacuation Centers: Open at the Evelyn Mount Community Center (1301 Valley Rd, Reno) and the Reno Gym (34 Reservation Rd) for tribal residents.
Animal Shelters: Small animals are being accepted at Washoe County Regional Animal Services (2825 Longley Ln), while large animals and livestock are housed at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (1350 N. Wells Ave).

Road closures remain active on Red Rock Road (between Moya Blvd and American Flat Rd) and Lemmon Drive at Ramsey Way, though U.S. 395 mainlines and offramps have reopened to traffic.

Source: CAL FIRE Incident Command, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Washoe County Emergency Management, FEMA Region 9.