'Only you can prevent forest fires:' Southern Nevada under fire restrictions Published May 27, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Monique R. Wright 99th Air Base Wing Safety Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The first day of summer, June 21, is right around the corner. This means lots of fun in the sun, entertaining, cooking and of course camping, leaving many opportunities for fires to occur. The summer season is the time to unwind, but not a time to get complacent with safety. As they say, a summer tan will fade, but the memories will last forever. Don't let your summer memories be that of a fire. According to The Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Nevada Division of Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service, fire restrictions were implemented in Southern Nevada May 16. The fire restrictions are a reminder to enjoy the many summertime activities, but with safe fire practices. Interagency fire restrictions prohibit: · Building or using a campfire or charcoal stove. Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are ok. · Welding or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit. · Using any explosives, except by permit. · Using fireworks or firing a tracer. · Operating an off-road vehicle without a spark arrestor. These restrictions are put into place to protect your family and the natural resources of the State of Nevada. The following restrictions have also been implemented by the listed agency: Bureau of Land Management - Steel jacket ammunition and explosive targets are prohibited as they are known fire starters. Smoking is allowed in an enclosed vehicle only. Lake Mead National Recreation Area - Wood or charcoal fires are allowed in grills of developed picnic areas. Wood or charcoal burning devices are allowed on the shoreline where natural vegetation is at least 100 feet from the shoreline Barbecue grills are allowed on private boats outside the harbors of Lake Mead and Lake Mojave. Rental boats are authorized to use barbecues that are attached to the vessel if it is allowed under the rental boat agreement. All vessel barbecue fires must be at least 100 feet away from shoreline vegetation. Smoking is allowed outside of an enclosed vehicle in areas that are cleared of all flammable material for at least three feet. Cigarettes must be discarded in a car ashtray or an ashtray in a developed area. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Camp fires are allowed in fire rings at Desert Pass Campground on Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Grills in day use areas of Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge may be used. U.S. Forest Service - Camp fires are allowed in developed recreation sites. Private property owners are allowed approved cooking or heating devices in the Mount Charleston area. Smoking is allowed outside of an enclosed vehicle in areas that are cleared of all flammable material for at least three feet. By abiding to these restrictions your summertime memories will be of great entertainment, phenomenal cooking, and unforgettable camping, not the devastating memories of a horrific fire. Ensure you prepare for your summer activities by educating yourself with the latest information about local fire restrictions. Information is available at: http://www.nps.gov/lake/parknews/fire-2014.htm or http://forestry.nv.gov/fire-program/current-fire-restrictions/. If the public has any questions or need clarification on the restriction contact the local: · U.S. Forest Service office at (702) 515-5400 · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (702) 515-5450 · National Park Service at (702) 293-8990 · Bureau of Land Management at (702) 515-5000 · Nevada Division of Forestry at (702) 486-5123
