Multiple wildfires, including the Bug Fire and Stallion Fire, have collectively burned over 129,000 acres north of Reno-Sparks since Saturday, August 9, 2026. This has forced thousands of residents to evacuate a vast area stretching from the Nevada-California State Line to Pyramid Lake. Nine homes have been confirmed lost in the Bug Fire, and two civilians sustained burn injuries.
The Bug Fire, which started in California near Hallelujah Junction on Saturday, merged with the Fred Mountain Fire and had grown to 88,422 acres by Thursday evening, with 31% containment. The Stallion Fire, which began on Monday south of Pyramid Lake, has burned 40,689 acres and is 44% contained. As of Thursday, 3,000 residents remained displaced, with a total of more than 5,100 people displaced by Wednesday afternoon. Evacuation orders covered over 500 square miles, with an additional 300 under warnings.
Christine Mitchell, 47, was arrested for allegedly intentionally starting the Fred Mountain Fire on Sunday. Her bail was set at $80,000. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency on Monday, allowing for faster inter-agency assistance and requesting federal resources, including National Guard personnel.
The fires are being managed by a joint operation of multiple agencies, with a focus on large-scale protection of subdivisions and neighborhoods. Authorities are reassessing evacuation zones every 12 hours. The fires have caused power outages for approximately 835 NV Energy customers. Fire officials reported no firefighter injuries or fatalities.
