Bug Fire Rises Near Cold Springs, Nevada, Prompting Evacuations and Road Closures
A brush fire named the Bug Fire has expanded to more than 6,500 acres along U.S. 395 near the Nevada–California border, prompting evacuation orders in Washoe County and warnings in neighboring California counties.
The fire began Saturday afternoon northwest of Cold Springs, Nevada, and has moved eastward into Washoe County. Cal Fire reports the blaze has burned 6,528 acres and is threatening the Cold Springs area. At present no structures have been lost.
Evacuation orders are in effect for portions of Cold Springs, Canyon Hills, White Lake, Silver Knolls, and the area north of Cold Springs. Residents are urged to leave immediately if they are in the affected zones.
The Nevada Highway Patrol has closed the White Lake and Village Parkway exits on northbound U.S. 395 to protect crews and motorists. The road remains closed until the fire is contained.
Evacuation centers
Washoe County has opened an evacuation center at the Evelyn Mount Community Center (1301 Valley Road, Reno). A trailer is available for small animals. A separate large‑animal evacuation center is located at the Reno Livestock Event Center (1350 N. Wells Avenue, Reno), accessed through gate 2.
County warnings
In California, Lassen County has issued an evacuation warning for Zone LAS‑671‑B, while Sierra County has issued a warning for Zone SIE‑E025.
Updates
Residents can check the latest perimeter map for real‑time evacuation information in Washoe County. For California updates, the Genasys Protect platform provides current fire and evacuation status.
The Bug Fire is part of the broader 2026 California wildfire season, which has seen several large fires across the state. While the Bug Fire has not yet damaged structures, its proximity to populated areas and key transportation routes has prompted swift emergency responses.
The fire’s location along U.S. 395—a major north–south corridor that runs through eastern Nevada and California—has made road closures a priority to keep traffic and firefighting resources safe.
The Nevada Highway Patrol’s decision to close exits reflects standard protocol when a wildfire threatens a highway corridor. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.
The evacuation centers in Reno are staffed by county emergency personnel and are equipped to accommodate displaced residents and their pets. The small‑animal trailer and large‑animal center are part of the county’s emergency preparedness plan.
County officials have not yet released a containment percentage for the Bug Fire. Fire crews continue to work to control the blaze, and updates will be posted on the county’s emergency website.
The fire’s spread into Washoe County underscores the cross‑border nature of wildfire risk in the region. Residents in both Nevada and California are advised to monitor local news and official county alerts for changes in evacuation status or road closures.
In summary, the Bug Fire has burned over 6,500 acres, moved into Washoe County, and prompted evacuation orders and highway closures. No structures have been lost so far, but the threat to the Cold Springs area remains.
The situation is evolving, and residents should stay informed through the perimeter map, Genasys Protect, and county emergency communications.
