Massive Bear Fire West of North Valleys Burns 300 Acres

Firefighters Tames Blaze, No Evacuations Needed

Fire Controlled, but Not Extinguished

RENO, Nev. (June 23, 2023) -- The Bear Fire burning about 12 miles west of Reno along Highway 431 in Spanish Springs has grown to 300 acres, according to the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD).

TMFPD spokesperson Adam Mayberry said in a Facebook post Thursday afternoon that the fire is 10% contained, and no evacuations have been ordered. Mayberry said that crews are working to protect structures and that air tankers and helicopters are dropping water and retardant on the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Mayberry said it started near a house along Highway 431. Firefighters responded to the scene at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, and Mayberry said the fire was moving in a northeasterly direction. No injuries have been reported.

Highway 431 north of Golden Valley Road is closed until further notice.

Mayberry said that firefighters will remain on scene throughout the night working to contain the fire. He expects the highway to be closed for several more hours.

The Bear Fire is one of several wildfires burning in Nevada. The Bureau of Land Management reports dozens of human-caused fires in the state so far this year, burning over 100,000 acres.

Here are some additional details about the Bear Fire:

• The fire started near a house along Highway 431 on Wednesday, June 22, 2023.
• The fire is 10% contained as of Thursday afternoon, June 23, 2023.
• No evacuations have been ordered.
• Highway 431 north of Golden Valley Road is closed until further notice.
• The cause of the fire is still under investigation.