Humboldt-Toiyabe districts of Forest Service move to Stage 2 fire restrictions for Nevada, California
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 8:02am
In response to the current and growing risk of wildfire, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts are elevating current fire restrictions to Stage 2, effective Thursday, including all district lands in California and Nevada.
The Austin-Tonopah, Ely, Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge and Santa Rosa Ranger Districts, and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area remain in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.
USDA Forest Service land managers increase fire restrictions based on several factors including fire activity levels, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, and the availability of firefighting resources.
Due to the current conditions, there is a likelihood of a fire exhibiting extreme behavior and posing containment problems for firefighters. As such, fire restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of human-caused fires, in turn enhancing public safety and preserving firefighting forces for longer and more extreme fire seasons.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire on National Forest System lands. Campfires are prohibited on all lands managed by the Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts, including developed recreation sites, campgrounds, and day use areas.
This includes twig stoves commonly used by hikers, portable wood/charcoal fire pits and stoves. Portable stoves with contained fuel sources (propane, jellied petroleum, etc.) and an on/off switch are allowed. California campfire permits are required for the use of any portable stove, regardless of fire restriction level, in the state of California.
Smoking, outside an enclosed vehicle or building. Exception: smoking while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.
Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
Using an explosive. Please remember, fireworks and exploding targets are never permitted on public lands.
Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine between 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Woodcutting and other activities need to be completed prior to 1 p.m. daily. It is always prohibited to operate or use any internal or external combustion engine without an approved USDA spark arrestor that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
Operating or parking a vehicle or other motorized equipment over or on top of dried/cured vegetation. Exceptions: Parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway, overnight parking in Forest Service developed campgrounds and at trailheads.
Please obey all fire restrictions. Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in criminal and/or civil penalties, including up to $5,000 in fines and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire can be held civilly and criminally liable.
The public is the first line of defense in preventing wildfires. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest fire management and firefighters thank you for recreating responsibly and using extra precaution to prevent wildfires.
For more information regarding fire restrictions on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest go here and for frequently asked questions go here.
Go to www.nevadafireinfo.org to view current fire restriction orders across land management agencies.
