Good morning, Reno.

A community meeting was held yesterday to address the Bug Fire as fire and evacuation zones expanded and officials noted heavy rains may trigger flash flooding from 2 p.m. this afternoon through Thursday evening in the Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area (a region under flood watch).

The Bug Fire (which started on Aug.

8) burned through a family's property in northern Nevada and forced thousands of residents to evacuate homes.

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the Washoe County School District Board extended the Youth Ride Free program that provided students free RTC bus rides—4,800 passes and 240,353 rides between June 2025 and June 2026—to help them reach school, work, and events.

This move follows a review of the program during the board meeting.

FEMA approved federal funding for the growing Stallion Fire in Washoe County as wildfires burned nearly 100,000 acres and evacuations expanded in Spanish Springs, Nixon and nearby areas; officials directed affected residents to the Evelyn Mount Community Center in Reno for updates.

Fire crews battled the Bug and Stallion Fires near Reno as the Bug Fire grew to over 70,000 acres and the Stallion Fire threatened rural Nixon, while crews built dozer lines to contain spread — a challenge before anticipated thunderstorms may bring heavy rain and flash flood risks.

Reno launched a Bear-Resistant Cart Rebate Program with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, where the first 120 eligible residents receive a bear-resistant trash can plus quarterly Waste Management bill rebates for one year; residents in high bear-activity areas like Caughlin Ranch are encouraged to apply.