Wildfires and Smoke in Northern Nevada
Wildfires and smoke are once again affecting parts of Northern Nevada. Two active fires — the Bug Fire (Fred Mtn Fire merged into this one) and the Stallion Fire — are producing smoke and prompting localized evacuation notices in areas of Washoe County and neighboring counties.
As of August 12, 2026, the Bug Fire is burning off Hwy395 south of Bringman Road, south of Hallelujah Junction, and is currently impacting Lassen and Sierra Counties in California and Washoe County in Nevada.
As of August 12, 2026, the Stallion Fire is burning near Stallion Dr & Rodero Rd, east of Moses Rock and south of Pyramid Lake in Washoe County, NV.
Smoke from these fires may affect communities across Reno, Lemmon Valley, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, Pyramid Lake, and surrounding rural communities.
Resources for Bug & Stallion Fire Updates and Evacuees
Evacuation Maps
Local Incident Updates
Local Social Media Platforms providing updates including evacuation notifications on X, Facebook, and Instagram:
- Washoe County (@washoecountynv)
- City of Reno (@cityofreno)
- Reno Fire Department (@RenoFireDept)
- Stay Local Reno (@staylocal.reno)
- Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue (@TMFPD)
Nevada Department of Emergency Management
Road closures, power outage information, and statewide emergency updates: https://www.oem.nv.gov/wildfire-info-2026/
Updated Fire Size, Containment and Behavior
Current Evacuation & Shelter Resources
(Subject to change based on incident activity)
- Evelyn Mount Community Center (1301 Valley Road, Reno)
Open as an evacuation center with beds, pillows, blankets, water, food, and recreation supplies.
Operated by Washoe County Human Services Agency and the American Red Cross of Nevada. - Washoe County Regional Animal Services
Accepting small animals at 2825 Longley Lane, Reno. - Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
Sheltering large animals; currently housing more than 150 animals.
Space and resources are limited—residents able to self evacuate livestock to friends/family are encouraged to do so. - Churchill County 3C Event Complex (Fallon)
Offering free dry camping and covered horse stalls for evacuees.
Access via Miners Road off Sheckler Road.
Water available; evacuees must provide feed for livestock. - Hotel Discounts for Evacuees
Local hotels are offering discounted rooms for evacuees.
Full list available here: https://emergencywashoe.com/updates/
School Closures
For the most up-to-date information on school closures, transportation changes, and Washoe County School District (WCSD) emergency notifications, visit: WCSD Active Emergency Information
Youth Support Services
Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows is offering free membership and weekly fees for youth (ages 6–18) affected by the wildfires.
Available at two facilities:
- William N. Pennington Youth & Teen Facility
1300 Foster Drive, Reno
Open 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: 775‑360‑2469 - Fernley Clubhouse
695 E. Main St., Fernley
Open 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: 775‑460‑4462
These locations offer safe, supervised spaces for children while families manage wildfire-related needs.
Air Quality and Your Health
Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and can make it harder to breathe. Children, older adults, people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease; and pregnant people are especially at risk from smoke exposure.
To protect your health:
Check current air quality:
Checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) where you live at:
Limit smoke exposure:
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Avoid burning candles or using gas/propane appliances indoors when possible.
- Use air purifiers or HVAC systems with clean filters.
- Plan outdoor activities based on air quality levels and avoid strenuous exercise when smoke is present or when air quality is poor.
Additional Resources for General Safety
- EPA – Reduce Your Smoke Exposure: https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/reduce-your-smoke-exposure
- CDC – Wildfires and Your Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/about/
Pet and Livestock Safety
- CDC – Pet Safety Emergency Preparedness:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/index.html - EPA – Protect Pets from Smoke:
https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/protect-your-pets-wildfire-smoke - EPA – Protect Livestock and Large Animals:
https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/protect-your-large-animals-and-livestock-wildfire-smoke
Other Fire Health & Safety Information
The Office of State Epidemiology is recommending that everyone, regardless of where they live, have an emergency kit with a three-day supply of essential items. Store your supplies in waterproof containers that are easily accessible and transportable.
Recommended supplies in a basic emergency supply kit should include:
- Water: one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation
- Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit including a three-day supply of prescription medications
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air
- Moist towelettes for sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Sturdy shoes and extra clothing, coats and blankets
- Three-day supply of pet food
- Cash
- Unique or special needs (diapers, formula, medications, etc.)
Fire information to protect your personal health and safety
Frozen and Refrigerated Foods
Your refrigerator will keep foods cool for about 4 hours without power if the doors are not opened.
If your refrigerator or freezer is without power for a long period:
- Divide your frozen foods among friends if they have power;
- Seek freezer space in a store, church, school, or commercial freezer that has power; or
- Use dry ice (25 lbs of dry ice will keep a 10 cubic foot freezer below freezing for 3-4 days). Thawed food can usually be eaten if the food is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder or if it still contains ice crystals.
- Remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.” A wide variety of food borne illnesses can result from improperly stored and contaminated foods.
Other Hazards
Animals
Make a plan for where you will take your animals and pets if you are affected by a fire. Ensure there is food and water for them in your emergency supply kit. Many wild animals may be displaced due to fires as well as domesticated animals that will be forced into new environments. These displaced and disoriented animals can be dangerous. Do not corner an animal.
Chemical Hazards
Always use extreme caution when around chemicals and hazardous materials, especially during or after a fire. Fires may have exposed hazardous chemicals or created hazardous conditions. Items like propane tanks and car batteries can cause explosions, or electrical shock.