RENO, Nevada (KOLO) – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest officials are warning the public that a high fire danger remains through Labor Day weekend.
“Due to continued record heat this summer and exceptionally dry conditions in Nevada and Eastern California, most areas still have very high to extreme fuel conditions,” said Gwen Sanchez, fire manager for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. “This means any new wildfire can spread quickly and burn intensely from the start. With all the fires in the West, resources are scarce, so preventing human-caused wildfires is more important than ever.”
They say the Bridgeport Ranger District, Carson Ranger District, Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District, Santa Rosa Ranger District and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area are under Stage 1 fire restrictions that prohibit:
- Building, maintaining, operating or using a fire, campfire or stove fire outside of recreational areas.
Campfires are not permitted in any area outside of developed recreation areas. Portable stoves, fire pits, or grills that use wood or charcoal are prohibited under Level 1 fire regulations in both remote and developed areas. Portable stoves or fires that use gas, liquid fuel, etc. are permitted on all forest lands provided they have a sealed fuel source and an on/off switch. In addition, the State of California requires California campfire permits for campfires on developed areas and for the use of portable stoves, regardless of fire level. - Smoking outside an enclosed vehicle or building.
Exception: Smoking in the booth in an area with a diameter of at least three feet that is free of all flammable materials. - Welding or operating an acetylene or other open flame torch.
- Use of an explosive.
Fireworks and exploding targets are generally not permitted on public property.
“The public plays an important role in preventing wildfires,” Sanchez emphasized. “The national average of human-caused wildfires comprises 87 percent of all wildfire events each year.”
All rights reserved.
