Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency on August 10, 2026, for Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony as multiple wildfires, including the Bug, Fred Mountain, and Stallion fires, force thousands of evacuations. Officials report that all three fires are human-caused and remain under investigation, with state and federal resources mobilized to protect lives and property.
Status of Ongoing Wildfires North of Reno
As of Monday afternoon, the Bug Fire has burned approximately 17,000 acres with 4% containment, according to the Bureau of Land Management. The Fred Mountain Fire, which began Sunday morning on Fred’s Mountain, has consumed 3,482 acres with no reported containment. The Stallion Fire, located southwest of Pyramid Lake, has reached 1,000 acres, according to WildCAD. The Ironwood Fire, which burned 36 acres off the Pyramid Highway, was declared 100% contained as of 1 p.m.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Governor Lombardo’s state of emergency declaration facilitates rapid inter-jurisdictional assistance and the deployment of National Guard personnel and equipment. Approximately 10,000 people have been evacuated since the fires began, though 4,000 residents in the Cold Springs area have received clearance to return home. According to the Washoe County School District, eight schools will remain closed on Tuesday, August 11, due to ongoing fire threats and power outages. The district has also suspended bus transportation in areas currently designated as red or yellow zones.
Did You Know? The Bug Fire was named after the California Agricultural Inspection Station located in the area where it ignited, which is locally referred to as the “bug station.”
Expert Insight: The Role of Weather in Fire Suppression
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Chief Richard Edwards highlighted that the primary concern for firefighting efforts is the unpredictable weather forecast. The National Weather Service has predicted a chance of thunderstorms in northwestern Nevada between Tuesday and Saturday, bringing risks of wind and lightning that could accelerate fire growth. While rain could potentially assist in suppression, the current hot and dry conditions continue to elevate the danger for responders and residents alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cause of the fires?
Officials have determined that the Bug, Fred Mountain, and Stallion fires were human-caused, though specific details remain unavailable due to active investigations.
Where can evacuees go?
Official shelters are available at the Evelyn Mount Community Center. Large animals can be taken to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, and Churchill County has opened dry camping facilities and horse stalls at its 3C Event Complex in Fallon.
How can residents stay updated?
Residents are encouraged to monitor official evacuation maps at perimetermap.com/washoe and register for local emergency notification systems like CodeRed or Reverse 911.
How are you and your family preparing your emergency go-bags for potential evacuation?