Keep the Forests Fire Free: State and local officials warn against illegal fireworks danger during July 4 weekend
Submitted by Arianna Schmidt on Fri, 07/02/2021 - 1:00pm
With many people expected to enjoy a long Independence Day weekend, the Nevada Division of Emergency Management (DEM) and the United States Department of Agriculture officials have a few reminders for those who choose to celebrate the holiday within National Forest Service (NFS) lands.
Due to excessive heat, exceptional drought conditions and continuing extreme fire danger, fireworks pose wildfire risk when they are in the wrong hands, according to a DEM press release. Nevadans and visitors are asked to refrain from using consumer fireworks when celebrating.
According to a news release from the United States Department of Agriculture, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest service would also like to remind folks to adhere to all local, state, and federal guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Fireworks are a traditional part of America’s Fourth of July celebration, yet every year people take needless risks when they celebrate,” said DEM Chief David Fogerson. “Officials want everyone to enjoy fireworks at public venues conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home, in public or while camping.”
With the below-normal rainfall this year, heat warnings and drought conditions, grass and other light fuels are dried to a point where they’re susceptible to ignition by fireworks, according to the release.
For more information on fireworks safety, please visit National Fire Protection Association - Fireworks Safety Tips or Nevada Division of Emergency Management - Preparedness.
“We expect a large number of people recreating across the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “Our highest priorities are ensuring public and employee safety and preventing human-caused wildfires.”
According to the USDA release, the use or possession of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices on NFS lands is prohibited and subject to confiscation and fines of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.
“Anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire can be held civilly and criminally liable,” the release said.
For up-to-date information on Forest fire restrictions, visit: https://bit.ly/HTNFFireRestrictions. To find out what other fire restrictions are in place on public lands in Nevada, visit https://www.nevadafireinfo.org/restrictions-and-closures. In California, please check with the agency that manages the land.
According to the USDA release, the Bridgeport Ranger District’s Hoover Wildlife Quota permits are available as follows while Forest offices are closed this weekend:
Advanced Reservation Wilderness Permits can be purchased at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445856 and available to print within seven days of the entry date.
Late Reservation Wilderness Permits (formerly known as Walk-In Permits) can be purchased at Recreation.gov within three days of the entry date and are immediately available to print. If you need additional assistance for Late Reservation Wilderness Permits, please call the Bridgeport Ranger District at 760-932-7070, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, or call the Recreation.gov Call Center at 877-444-6777, 10 a.m. to midnight EST, seven days a week.
Non-Quota Trailhead Wilderness Permits are available at the wilderness kiosk in front of the District office.
Trip leaders are responsible for printing the permit and maintaining a signed hard copy in their possession for the duration of the trip, the release said. For more information about Hoover Wilderness permits, visit https://bit.ly/HTNFHooverWildernessPermits.
The USDA release reminds people to recreate Forest responsibility by:
Dispersed Camping: When camping outside of developed campgrounds, remember that creating new campsites kills vegetation and leads to soil erosion. If possible, use an existing site, or pick a site where vegetation is absent.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: Inspect the campsite, picnic area, or rest site for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter, leaving the place cleaner than you found it.
Answering Nature’s Call: Find a spot at least 200 feet from any water source. Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and bury human waste. Pack out used toilet paper and feminine products to prevent animals from digging them up.
Be Considerate of Others: Respect each other and yield on the trail. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Avoid loud voices or noises and let nature’s sounds prevail.
Pets in the Forest: Pets should be leashed in developed recreation sites, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. Along the trail, there may be additional signs instructing pet owners to keep pets on-leash. Remember to pick up and pack out pet waste.
Respect Access: Stay out of closed areas. Do not trespass and do not cross private lands unless given permission. Leave gates as you found them, whether opened or closed. Do not cut fences as they keep livestock confined. Remember it is illegal to deface or destroy trees, signs, outbuildings, or other objects on federal lands.
Ride Ethically: Always stay on designated Forest roads and trails as they are designed using industry best practices to be environmentally sustainable. Go over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening trails. Remember it is illegal to ride cross-country on NFS lands, and motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed in wilderness areas.
For additional information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/htnf or participate in the conversation at https://twitter.com/HumboldtToiyabe and https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF/.
