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May 20, 2005
Fire restriction in effectPVT "The significant amount of precipitation this last winter and early spring contributed to the extraordinary amount of grasses in the lower elevations," said BLM Assistant Fire Management Officer Troy Phelps. "Conditions are such that any new fire ignition can develop into a catastrophic wildland fire. People are encouraged to enjoy their public lands but to do so responsibly." The fire restrictions prohibit: • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except a portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle • Welding or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit • Using or causing to be used any explosive, except by permit • Using fireworks or firing a tracer - a reminder that fireworks of any kind are not allowed on public lands All areas, roads and trails on BLM Las Vegas Field Office managed lands, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Lake Mead National Recreation Area are included in the restrictions. There are only a couple of exceptions to the restrictions. They are: • Open campfires in hosted developed-recreation sites (such as a campground where a hot is present or fee is charged) • Private property owners using an approved cooking or heating device • People with a permit specifically authorizing an otherwise prohibited act • Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. Keep in mind that Lake Mead National Recreation Area is prohibiting all wood and charcoal fires in the park, including campgrounds, picnic areas and at the shorelines. While the U.S. Forest Service, Spring Mountain National Recreation Area and Nevada Division of Forestry are not issuing any further fire restrictions at this time, calendar restriction remain in effect. Calendar restrictions prohibit campfires within one mile of homes in Kyle and Lee Canyons, Deer Creek, Cold Creek, Mountain Springs and Trout Canyon. Persons violating the restrictions are subject to punishment by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/ or imprisonment of not more than a year. Persons found liable for causing a wildfire may also be responsible for resource damage, suppression costs and any injuries that may occur. For questions or more information call the local Forest Service Office (702-515-5400), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (702-515-5450), National Park Service (702-293-8990), the local BLM office (702-515-5000) or the Nevada Division of Forestry (702-486-5123). |
