Increasing daytime temperatures, dry vegetation and lingering drought conditions have prompted BLM and the USFS to implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Mt. Charleston.

Fire Restrictions Prohibit:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire (using wood, charcoal or any other material), campfire, or stove fire except a portable stove using gas or pressurized liquid fuel, outside of a developed fee campground or picnic area (except by permit).
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or at a developed campground or picnic area.
• Welding, or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit.
• Using or causing to be used, any explosive, except by permit.
• Possession or use of fireworks (always prohibited), or any other incendiary device.
• Use of tracer rounds, steel-core ammunition or exploding targets including Binary Explosive Targets while recreational shooting.
• Open burning (e.g. weeds, brush and yard debris).

In addition, the Nevada Division of Forestry, and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest prohibit operating vehicles off of existing hard surface gravel roads or dirt roads in wildland areas, and operating vehicles or equipment traveling on or using wildland areas without at least an axe, shovel and one gallon of water. All agencies recommend avoiding cross-country travel whenever possible to prevent hot exhaust systems from igniting grass and recommend that individuals carry cell phones while in the wildlands or national forests to report wildfires.

As fire season continues the BLM, USFS, NDF, BIA and USFWS will be aggressively citing those who do not comply with the posted restrictions and those who use or possess fireworks. Violation of these prohibitions is subject to punishment by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both, as Class B misdemeanors under federal law (agency statutes vary). Persons may also be responsible for resource damage, suppression costs and any injuries that occur if they are found liable for causing a wildfire.

For more information or clarification on the restrictions, please contact the BLM-Carson City District Office at 775-885-6000, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest at 775-331-6444, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at 775-423-5128, the BIA at 775-887-3500, or the Nevada Division of Forestry at 775-849-2500.

The potential for devastating fires during the summer is very real. Report fires immediately by dialing 911.

Source: USDA