Bull Fire near Verdi grows to 2,500 acres, forcing evacuations

Growth and containment

A fast-moving wildfire on the slopes of Peavine Mountain near the California-Nevada border has exploded to 2,500 acres, triggering immediate evacuation orders, school closures, and a massive aerial and ground response.

The Bull Fire broke out at around 11:00 am on Friday in a remote area southwest of Peavine Peak, just north of Verdi, Nevada. Within hours, dry conditions and shifting winds pushed the flames through dry brush, growing the fire from a mere two acres to more than a square mile by mid-afternoon.

Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue reported that the fire has zero containment. Crews are focusing their efforts on the southern flank of the blaze, aiming to keep the fire north of the town of Verdi. Retardant lines have already been laid down on the southern side, but the fire is now pushing north and east into the old burn scar of the Hawk Fire.

Evacuations and school closures

An immediate "Go Now" evacuation order has been issued for the back country areas and the southwest side of Peavine Mountain. Residents in Verdi itself and those living west of Somerset Ridge are under a "Get Set" evacuation warning, advising them to gather essentials and prepare to leave at a moment's notice.

The Washoe County School District dismissed classes early at Verdi Elementary School due to the encroaching fire. The smoke and emergency response also disrupted school bus routes for Billinghurst Middle School and McQueen High School on Friday afternoon.

There are no reports of injuries or damaged structures, and officials said the closest buildings were about a mile away when the fire began. However, the thick plume of smoke rising from the hills is visible across the Reno area, prompting authorities to urge residents to keep emergency dispatch lines clear.

Firefighting response

More than 250 personnel have been deployed to the fire ground, supported by 50 engines, hand crews, and bulldozers. Air support is heavily engaged, with eight fixed-wing air tankers and five helicopters dropping water and retardant. Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue said they have requested additional resources from Cal Fire, alongside other local, state, and federal agencies.

For residents displaced by the evacuations, the J Resort in Reno is offering a discounted room rate of $59 with no resort fees for those using the booking code BULL26.

The Bull Fire is the sixth wildfire to ignite in the Reno hills over the past two months. Local authorities have not yet determined what caused the blaze.