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Bug Fire Explodes to 2,400+ Acres North of Reno
Bug Fire Forces Evacuations in Nevada and California: What You Need to Know
What Happened?
On Saturday, August 8, a wildfire called the Bug Fire started burning near Highway 395, south of Hallelujah Junction. The fire has already burned more than 2,400 acres (that’s about 1,800 football fields!), and firefighters have not contained any of it yet.
Important: This information comes from official sources including Watch Duty, WildCAD, and the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.
Where Are People Being Told to Leave?
Washoe County, Nevada (Evacuation Orders — Leave Now!)
- Cold Springs
- Canyon Hills
- White Lake
Emergency Shelter: North Valleys Library
Address: 1075 N Hills Boulevard, Reno
Lassen County, California
| Zone | Status | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| LAS-671-B | Evacuation Order | Leave immediately |
| LAS-671-A | Evacuation Warning | Get ready to leave; danger is close |
Sierra County, California
| Zone | Status | Location |
|---|---|---|
| SIE-E025 | Evacuation Warning | East of Highway 395, near the state line |
Road Updates
Northbound US-395 is open but only for one-way traffic near the state line.
Source: California Highway Patrol (CHP)
How to Check If You Need to Evacuate
Follow these steps to see if your home is in an evacuation zone:
For Sierra & Lassen Counties (California):
- Go to the Genasys Evacuation Map → Click Here
- Type your address or zoom to your neighborhood
- Look for colored zones:
- Red = Order (Leave now)
- Orange = Warning (Be ready)
For Washoe County (Nevada):
- Go to the Perimeter Evacuation Map → Click Here
- Enter your address
- Check your zone status
What Do These Terms Mean? (ELI5)
| Term | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Evacuation Order | Leave RIGHT NOW. Danger is here or coming very soon. |
| Evacuation Warning | Get ready to leave. Pack your car, gather pets/kids, and stay alert. |
| Containment | How much of the fire’s edge is controlled. 0% = not controlled at all. |
| Acres | Land size. 1 acre ≈ 1 football field. This fire = 2,400+ football fields. |
Summary
- The Bug Fire is burning 2,400+ acres near Highway 395 (NV/CA border)
- 0% contained as of August 8
- Evacuation Orders (leave now): Cold Springs, Canyon Hills, White Lake (Washoe Co.), Zone LAS-671-B (Lassen Co.)
- Evacuation Warnings (get ready): Zone LAS-671-A (Lassen Co.), Zone SIE-E025 (Sierra Co.)
- Shelter: North Valleys Library, Reno
- US-395 Northbound: Open one-way only
- Check your zone: Use the official maps linked above
FAQ
What should I pack if I have to evacuate?
A: Grab the "6 P’s":
- People & pets
- Papers (IDs, insurance)
- Prescriptions & medications
- Pictures (irreplaceable)
- Personal computer / phone + chargers
- Plastic (credit cards, cash)
Can I stay and defend my home?
A: No. If an Order is issued, you must leave. Fire moves faster than you think. Staying puts you and firefighters at risk.
How will I know when it’s safe to return?
A: Officials will announce it through local news, emergency alerts, and the same evacuation maps. Do not return until the Order is lifted.
What if I don’t have a car?
A: Call 211 or your county’s emergency management office right now for transport help. Shelters often arrange rides.
Where do I get real-time updates?
A:
- Watch Duty app (free, real-time fire maps)
- Local Sheriff’s Office Facebook/Twitter
- KOLO TV (kolotv.com)
- Emergency Alert System on your phone
Stay safe. Listen to officials. Leave early if you’re unsure.
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