Incident Start: August 8, 2026, approx. 3:30 p.m. PDT
Cause: Human
Size: Estimated17,000 acres
Containment: 4%
Location: North of Reno, between Cold Springs and
the California state line, near Red Rock Road.
Resources Assigned: Approx. 300
Current Situation:
The incident is currently being managed under Unified Command between the US Wildland Fire Service and
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District with over 12 mutual aid partners assisting. The Bug Fire remains active,
with wind-driven runs, flanking and short-range spotting. Hot, dry and windy conditions have supported rapid fire
spread and extended burning periods. Fire activity continued into the evening, including significant 3–6 mile runs.
Ground and aviation resources are being used to slow fire spread and support suppression efforts. Hot, dry and
windy conditions are expected to support continued fire spread, spotting and extended burning periods. Winddriven runs are possible where winds and terrain align, including both up and down drainages. Poor overnight
humidity recovery may allow the fire to remain active in heavier fuels overnight. Rapid fire growth toward the east
and Red Rock Road remains a concern. Firefighters will prioritize community and firefighter safety while
aggressively engaging the fire where conditions allow, using ground and aviation resources to slow fire spread and
support suppression efforts. A complex incident management team has been ordered.
Weather and Fire Behavior:
Fire behavior remains active, with wind-driven runs, flanking and short-range spotting. Crowning in the Pinyon and
Juniper and long sustain runs in the grass and brush. Near-critical fire weather, critically dry fuels and strong
afternoon winds are contributing to rapid fire spread and high resistance to control. Firefighters are prioritizing
community and firefighter safety while aggressively engaging the fire where conditions allow. A hot, dry and
unstable weather pattern remains in place, with poor nighttime humidity recovery. Increased W/SW winds and low
daytime relative humidity are expected to support critical fire weather conditions each afternoon. West winds of
forecast for 10–22 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, are expected during the afternoon. Energy Release Components
are in the 97th percentile, indicating extremely dry fuels that contribute to rapid fire spread and make suppression
efforts more challenging
Evacuations and Closures:
The evacuation center at Evelyn Mount Community Center is the official evacuation center and is located at 1013
Valley Road, Reno. Washoe County Regional Animal Services is taking small animals in at its shelter at
2825 Longley Lane. The large-animal shelter at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center currently has more than
150 animals, and despite dedicated staffing, resources and space is limited, and residents are encouraged to selfevacuate their animals to a friend of family member’s home if that is available them. Communities near the fire
remain threatened by potential fire growth. Approximately 5,500 people have currently been evacuated. The link to
the most recent evacuations https://perimetermap.com/washoe
Smoke: We urge the public to remember – If you or a loved one is sensitive to smoke, stay indoors when possible
until air quality improves. Monitor air quality at: NWS Air Quality.
Bug Fire for August 10, 2026
