70,000-Acre Bug Fire Returns To California

The massive Bug Fire has crossed back into California after spending several days burning through Nevada, as shifting winds and dangerous fire weather continue to drive the more than 70,000-acre wildfire.

The Bug Fire originally started Saturday, August 8, 2026, along Highway 395 near Hallelujah Junction in California and quickly exploded to several thousand acres.

Within hours, the fire crossed into Washoe County, Nevada, where it continued an aggressive eastward run through multiple neighborhoods and into the Nevada desert.

After burning in Nevada for four days and four nights, a significant shift in weather and wind direction began pushing the fire back toward California.

By Wednesday evening, August 12, the fire had officially crossed back into Lassen County and was moving north to northwest from the Hallelujah Junction area, prompting a new round of evacuation orders.

The Bug Fire has now burned well over 70,000 acres and continues to grow.

Thunderstorms, lightning and erratic winds are creating additional challenges for firefighters, with a Red Flag Warning expected as dangerous fire weather continues across the region.

The fire remains active on both sides of the California-Nevada border, and conditions could change rapidly.

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