Governor Lombardo Declares State of Emergency as Bug and Fred Mountain Fires Threaten Northern Nevada 

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo on Monday declared a state of emergency for portions of Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony as the Bug Fire and Fred Mountain Fire continued to expand, forcing thousands from their homes and threatening communities north of Reno.The twin blazes have collectively burned more than 16,000 acres. More than 6,000 people have been evacuated, with thousands more under evacuation warnings as the fires grow. 

The declaration, effective August 10 through August 17 unless conditions improve, directs all state agencies to coordinate through the Nevada Emergency Operations Center to support local firefighting and emergency efforts.

“Thousands of Nevadans have been forced from their homes as these fires continue to threaten communities across Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony,” Lombardo said. “The state is taking every available step to support local responders, protect lives and property, and ensure the resources necessary to confront these fires are where they are needed most. I am grateful to the firefighters, first responders, emergency personnel, and community members working around the clock to keep Nevadans safe.”

The larger Bug Fire originated Saturday afternoon, August 8, east of U.S. Route 395 and south of Bringman Road in Lassen County, California—roughly three miles south of Hallelujah Junction near the California-Nevada border. It quickly crossed into Sierra County, California, and Washoe County, Nevada. As of Monday updates, the fire had reached an estimated 15,000 to 17,000 acres with containment reported between 3% and 4%. 

Active fire behavior including wind-driven runs, flanking, and short-range spotting continued, with rapid eastward growth toward Red Rock Road a particular concern. A complex incident management team has been ordered.

The Bureau of Land Management has determined the Bug Fire to be human-caused. In its Monday update, BLM listed the cause as “Human,” consistent with National Interagency Fire Center data classifying the ignition as resulting from human activity. A full origin-and-cause investigation continues to identify the specific source.

The Fred Mountain Fire, burning off Red Rock Road northeast of the Bug Fire in northern Washoe County, Nevada, started Sunday and has consumed an estimated 1,393 acres. Containment stood at 0% to 2% in the latest reports, with Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District crews assigned. Its evacuation zones overlap with those of the Bug Fire. The cause of the Fred Mountain Fire remains under investigation.

Evacuation orders and warnings have affected areas including Cold Springs, Canyon Hills, White Lake, Silver Knolls, Lemmon Valley, Golden Valley, and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony’s Hungry Valley community. Several Washoe County schools canceled classes Monday for approximately 6,000 students. Shelters are operating at the Evelyn Mount Community Center and the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. Local hotels have offered reduced rates to displaced residents.

Firefighters from local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management Carson City District, CAL FIRE, and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, continue aggressive suppression efforts prioritizing life and property safety amid challenging fuels and weather conditions. Residents are urged to monitor official sources such as perimetermap.com for the latest evacuation information and to remain clear of fire zones.