Fireworks prohibited in Carson City, BLM and National Forest System lands

With fire danger a threat throughout Nevada, local, state and federal agencies are reminding citizens that igniting, discharging or using fireworks is prohibited on Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands and within the city limits.

Personal use of fireworks is illegal in Carson City. Under the Carson City Municipal Code, violators can be cited and face a possible penalty of up to six months in jail and, or a fine of up to $1,000. Use of fireworks endangers those involved and can unwillingly impact those not involved, according to the Carson City Fire Department.

Mills Park in Carson City will feature a spectacular professional firework display that will begin approximately 9:30 p.m.

"During the firework display, please make sure your pets are secure and indoors. Please safely enjoy this Independence Day and we hope that you have a great outdoor season and will take the time to play safe and be safe," said Carson City Fire Department Chief Sean Slamon.

For more information about outdoor fire safety tips please visit carsonfire.org. To report firework use call 887-COPS (2677).

Federal forest officials also will enforce strict laws when it comes to fireworks on Forest Service land across the state and in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

“Setting off fireworks in the Forest is not only illegal, it is also a hazardous activity that can lead to injury and wildfires," said Bill Dunkelberger, Forest Supervisor. "We want visitors to come out and enjoy their public lands, but leave the fireworks at home." Dunkelberger encourages Forest visitors to check with local communities for fireworks displays.

The use or possession of fireworks on public lands is subject to confiscation and fines of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire can be held civilly and criminally liable.

Due to elevated risk of wildfire, Forest officials also encourage visitors to follow the fire tips below for a safe recreating experience:

— Do not leave campfires unattended.

— Clear vegetation and dry debris down to bare soil within 10 feet around your campfire.

— Be sure to completely put out campfires, leaving the site cold to the touch.

— Make sure lighting and heating devices are cool before refueling.

— Ensure cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco pipes are fully extinguished when not in use.

— Use caution when operating vehicles in close proximity to vegetation. Spark arresting devices must be properly installed and maintained on all internal combustion engines.

— Exploding targets and incendiary or tracer ammo are PROHIBITED on public lands.

— Be aware that all types of ammunition can start fires under the right conditions while target shooting. To avoid a chance of sparking, do not use solid copper, steel-core, or steel-jacketed ammunition and always avoid shooting in dry fuels or rocky areas.

— Call 911 to report any wildfires.

The only district that is currently in fire restrictions is the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. For an up-to-date listing of fire restrictions visit, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/htnf/alerts-notices. For additional information on recreation opportunities, the status of Forest campgrounds, trails, and roads during this Fourth of July weekend, please contact any of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s offices.

Last month, CAL FIRE suspended residential burn permits in the Lake Tahoe Basin. As of late June there is a “High Fire Danger” in the Tahoe Basin, prompting North Tahoe Fire Protection District and Meeks Bay Fire Protection District to impose fire restrictions by suspending all recreational campfires and open burning. The suspension takes effect today and will remain in effect through the fire season.

All open burning bonfires/campfires, outdoor fireplaces (unless properly screened), and recreation fires as defined in CFC 202 are prohibited. Exemptions: properly screened portable outdoor fireplaces, LPG or LNG portable outdoor fireplaces, and covered barbeques with a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, that are at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes (CFC 307.4.3) are allowed. Burning of any solid fuels, including charcoal, is prohibited during Red Flag Weather Declarations (Local Ordinance 307.1.2).

“Sadly, illegal campfires continue to be the leading cause of wildfires in the Tahoe Basin, so it is important to obey all fire restrictions.” said NTFPD Fire Chief Michael Schwartz. “It’s also important for residents and visitors to know that open-flame devices such as tiki torches, as well as all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, are illegal in the Tahoe Basin year-round because of the wildfire danger they pose.”

Charcoal barbecues, properly screened outdoor fireplaces, and LPG or LNG portable outdoor fireplaces are considered a campfire by Public Resource Code 4103.5, and are only allowed on private property with written permission of the property owner in the possession of the person operating the fire.

Grills and fireplaces must be properly screened or covered per our fire restrictions, and all campfire provisions apply including at least 15 feet of clearance from anything combustible around the grill, with a shovel and water supply nearby. Use the “drown, stir and feel” method: drown the coals with water, then stir around with your shovel to wet all sides. Feel with the back of your hand for heat, make sure nothing is still warm. If it is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Campfire permits are available online.

NTFPD and MBFPD are asking residents to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every structure. “It’s important for residents to effectively maintain defensible space on their property to improve their home’s survivability from both surface fires and ember showers,” said NTFPD Fire Marshal Todd Conradson.