Helicopter Flies Past Huge Smoke Column As Wildfire Erupts Near Nevada-California Line

A white helicopter flies past a towering column of dark smoke rising from a dry hillside of sage and pine as a wildfire burns above Verdi near the California line.

Power lines cross the foreground as the helicopter moves in front of the smoke. The footage was recorded on October 2, 2026, shortly after the fire was reported near Bull Ranch Creek, just east of Dog Valley.

Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue was the lead agency, with the sheriff’s RAVEN unit assisting on the fire. Nevada Team 3 later took command of the incident.

The fire grew to 1,529 acres and was 92 percent contained by the night of October 7. Its cause was listed as human and remained under investigation.

No Washoe County evacuation notices had been issued when the footage was posted. Nevada officials had requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant after the fire threatened about 2,000 homes in Verdi, Somersett and Mogul.