Bug Fire burns 6,500 acres near Cold Springs; 3,800 households evacuated, 20% contained

Bug Fire burns 6,500 acres near Cold Springs; 3,800 households evacuated, 20% contained

The Bug Fire burning north of Reno had scorched about 6,500 acres as of Aug. 9, 2026, with containment at 20% and about 3,800 households evacuated, officials said.

Fire officials reported a couple of spot fires flared up Sunday, but forward progress has largely been stopped, and crews remain focused on the Bug Fire. Crews have made progress on containment, allowing evacuations to be lifted in the Cold Springs neighborhood. Areas previously evacuated off White Lake and Village Parkway were reopened and residents were told they may return home. All offramps on U.S. 395 North that had been closed because of the fire have reopened.

Some closures were expected to remain in place overnight and be re-evaluated Monday. Those include Red Rock Road between Moya Boulevard and American Flat Road, and Lemmon Drive at Ramsy Way. Crews and law enforcement were expected to remain in the area, and residents were urged to use caution and watch for emergency vehicles and personnel.

The evacuation center at the Evelyn Mount Community Center sheltered nearly 70 residents, while more stayed outside in the parking lot Saturday night. With evacuations being lifted, the center is expected to wind down operations.

Several area hotels were offering reduced rates for people affected by the fire, including Grand Sierra Resort, Peppermill Hotel, and the downtown properties of Eldorado, Circus Circus and Silver Legacy. Proof of residency is required, and resort fees are being waived.

Washoe County Regional Animal Services was taking small animals at its shelter at 2825 Longley Lane. The large-animal shelter at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center had more than 150 animals, and officials said resources and space are limited. Residents were encouraged to self-evacuate animals to a friend or family member’s home if that is available.

Northern Nevada Public Health said it was monitoring air quality in the Reno-Sparks area, with conditions in the “good” to “moderate” range for most of Washoe County. Officials noted air quality can vary by location and change throughout the day due to wind and regional wildfires, and residents can monitor the Air Quality Index and wildfire smoke through AirNow.gov or its mobile app, including the Fire and Smoke Map at www.airnow.gov. Areas closest to and downwind of the fire may see AQI levels in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range or worse at times.

An AQI in the Moderate range generally means air quality is acceptable for most people, though people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may experience health effects and should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion if symptoms develop, health officials said. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and may affect the heart and respiratory system. More local air-quality information is available through Northern Nevada Public Health’s Air Quality Management Division at https://www.nnph.org/programs-and-services/air-quality.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Officials urged residents to avoid calling 9-1-1 for anything other than a new emergency and to call Washoe311 by dialing 3-1-1 for information.