Bull Fire Morning Briefing 10.3.2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2026

Bull Fire Burning North of Verdi

WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. (October 3, 2026) — The Bull Fire is burning north of Verdi, west of Dog Valley and near the California-Nevada state line. The fire was reported shortly after 10:45 a.m. Friday near Bull Ranch Creek and is currently estimated at approximately 1,274 acres with 40% containment. Approximately 250 personnel are assigned to the fire, with the majority supporting suppression operations through hand crews, dozers, engines, overhead and air resources.

The Bull Fire is being managed under Unified Command, consisting of Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, U.S. Forest Service-Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Reno Fire Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.

Firefighters made progress overnight, keeping the fire within established control lines and preventing additional growth. Air resources played a significant role in overnight suppression efforts, with helicopters conducting water drops until approximately 1 a.m. Retardant was also applied around portions of the fire, including areas near the Hawk Fire burn scar.

The fire is less than 24 hours old, and firefighters are continuing to assess areas that have not yet been fully accessed. Rough terrain and limited access continue to challenge suppression efforts, particularly for engines.

The fire has reached the Hawk Fire burn scar, where limited fuels are providing a natural containment feature. Fire activity is currently holding along the southern edge of the fire, and firefighters are working to keep the fire north of the Verdi, Somersett and Mogul communities.

Today, firefighters will focus on securing and strengthening control lines and addressing remaining hot spots. On the east side, crews will work to secure the edge and begin mop-up operations. On the west side, a dozer line was tied in at approximately 3 a.m., and crews will work to widen and strengthen the line. On the north east side, firefighters will continue using the Hawk Fire burn scar as a containment feature.

The primary operational objectives are to keep the fire north of the communities of Verdi, Somersett and Mogul, east of Dog Valley Road, south of Cold Springs and Bordertown and west of the Hawk Fire perimeter.

The fire is burning in an area where structures, natural gas lines and timber are at risk. Firefighters are prioritizing the protection of life, property and critical infrastructure as suppression operations continue.

Lighter, primarily terrain-driven winds are expected through the weekend. Dry and warm conditions, with limited overnight humidity recovery, are expected to continue through at least early next week. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s. Firefighters will continue to monitor these conditions as they work to secure the fire.

Evacuation warnings remain in place for backcountry areas, including one residence under a Go Now evacuation order. Residents in affected areas should monitor official evacuation information, have their go-bags ready and be prepared to leave if conditions change. For the most current evacuation zones and warnings, visit emergencywashoe.com. The public is asked to avoid the Bull Fire area and keep roads clear for emergency responders. Access to the incident area is limited, and unnecessary traffic can interfere with fire operations and delay emergency resources.

A Type 3 Incident Management Team will arrive this afternoon to assist with incident management and continued suppression operations.

The cause of the Bull Fire is human and remains under investigation.