In a dramatic turn of events, northern Reno is grappling with two significant fires that have scorched over 16,000 acres. As of Monday morning, the fires have triggered evacuation orders, some of which have since been rescinded.
The Bug Fire, the more expansive of the two blazes, has consumed 15,000 acres straddling the Nevada-California border, north of Cold Springs. Meanwhile, the Fred Mountain Fire, situated slightly to the east, has engulfed approximately 1,400 acres, with no reported containment. Road closures are in effect, with Red Rock Road South designated as an evacuation route.
The fires escalated rapidly overnight, with the Bug Fire expanding from 6,500 acres and the Fred Mountain Fire from 40 acres. Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Richard Edwards emphasized the urgency of evacuation, urging residents to follow guidelines available on perimetermap.com.
“If you’re under a ‘go’ evacuation — that red area on the perimeter map — please leave the area as quick as possible,” Edwards stated in a video posted to social media on Sunday night. “That fire tonight is travelling extremely fast. It is wind-driven, and so you’re not going to have a lot of time once that map turns to red.”
For those marked in “yellow” or “ready” on the evacuation map, preparations should be made, including packing essential items such as go bags, medication, and pet supplies, Edwards added.
“That map can change at a moment’s notice and turn to red very quickly and we want you to have plenty of time to get out and get out of harm’s way,” he cautioned. “Please be quick, watch the map, and if you’re under a ‘go’ evacuation, please leave.”
Two evacuation centers have been established in Reno to assist residents and accommodate large animals. The Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center at 1301 Valley Road is available, along with the Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center at 1350 N Wells Avenue for large animals.
