Bull

Forward progress halted and evacuation warnings lifted as crews mop up

The Bull Fire is burning north of Verdi and west of Dog Valley near the California–Nevada border. Forward progress has been stopped after the fire burned into a recent scar, and perimeter lines are holding across the northern and eastern flanks. Evacuation warnings have been lifted for neighboring communities, and no homes are currently threatened as crews patrol and extinguish lingering heat.

Evacuations and Closures

• Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest closure remains in effect across the burn area as of October 5.
• Evacuation warnings for portions of Somersett and Verdi were lifted on October 4.
• Verdi Elementary School canceled after-school activities following an early dismissal on October 2.

Impact

No injuries, fatalities, or damaged structures have been reported. Northern Nevada Public Health issued an Air Quality Advisory for the Reno-Sparks area due to smoke pushing air quality into unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Suppression efforts have maintained protection for regional timber and major natural gas infrastructure running through the area.

Conditions and Outlook

Winds from the west-northwest are forecast to ease and turn southerly over the coming days, accompanied by warm, dry weather, poor overnight humidity recovery, and little to no chance of rain. Fire activity is expected to remain creeping and smoldering as crews grid the western perimeter for hot spots and reinforce containment lines along the northern flank.

Cause and Context

Investigators confirmed on October 3 that the fire was human-caused, with the specific circumstances remaining under investigation. Forward movement was halted when the blaze ran into the recent Hawk Fire burn scar, which provided a natural barrier.

Official updates current through October 5, 2026.