Fire danger level remains high heading into Labor Day weekend
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 09/01/2022 - 7:25am
Fire officials on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest would like to remind the public the fire danger level is still high. Human-caused wildfires are still a major concern heading into the Labor Day weekend and hunting season.
“The keys to fire safety are prevention and awareness,” said Rich Martinez, Acting Fire Information Officer. “The public needs to use common sense and be aware of the potential for wildfires no matter what the conditions. A responsible person’s actions before and after a fire starts can make a huge difference in protecting life, property, and natural resources.”
The following Ranger Districts are currently in Stage I Fire Restrictions:
Austin-Tonopah Ranger District
Bridgeport Ranger District
Carson Ranger District
Mountain-City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District
Santa Rosa Ranger District
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Meanwhile, enhanced fire restrictions are in effect on National Forest lands at Lake Tahoe.
During Stage 1, the following is prohibited:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stovefire outside of developed recreation sites.
Campfires are not allowed in any area outside of developed recreation sites. Portable stoves, fire pits, or grills that use wood or charcoal are also prohibited in both dispersed and developed areas under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Portable stoves or fires that use gas, liquid fuel, etc., are allowed on all forest lands, provided they have a contained fuel source and an on/off switch. Additionally, California campfire permits are required for campfires in developed sites and for the use of any portable stove, regardless of fire restriction level, in the state of California.
2. Smoking outside an enclosed vehicle or building.
Exemption: Smoking while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.
3. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
4. Using an explosive.
Fireworks and exploding targets are never permitted on public lands.
Visitors are also urged to heed the following recommendations, especially during forest fire season:
Pay extra attention to those items that can cause a spark, such as dragging chains on a trailer or power tools. Any spark has the potential to ignite a wildfire.
Do not drive over dry grass and brush that could be ignited by hot exhaust systems.
Campfires should be kept small and completely extinguish before leaving camp. The best method is to douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again, making sure that all ashes are cold to the touch. It is illegal to have unattended campfires.
Be aware that recreational shooting could cause a fire, so do not shoot on hot, dry days. Always shoot into a non-flammable backstop. Be sure it is clear of flammable debris on all sides, and always have water, a fire extinguisher, and shovel ready in case a fire starts.
“The public is the first line of defense in preventing wildfires,” stressed Martin. “Fire staff on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest thank you for recreating responsibly and using extra precaution to prevent wildfires.”
To learn more about fire restrictions, check out these frequently asked questions at http://bit.ly/FireRestrictionsFAQs. For up-to-date information on fire restrictions across the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Nevada Division of Forestry, go here. In California, please check with the appropriate land management agency for current fire restrictions.
Also, a good reminder that many campgrounds and day use sites on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest require reservations so it is best to visit Recreation.gov to see if there are spots still available.
Dispersed camping, which means camping outside of a designated campground, is allowed, but requires a little more effort than pulling up to an established campground. Anyone who plans to dispersed camp needs to arrive fully self-sufficient and prepared to clean up after themself thoroughly. Also, campfires are not allowed.
Additionally, it is important for visitors to follow all USDA Forest Service rules and regulations when recreating on National Forest System lands.
While visiting National Forest System lands, it is important to practice Leave No Trace principals, (https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/) which include planning ahead and being prepared, sticking to trails, disposing of both trash and human waste properly, minimizing fire impacts, leaving what is found, keeping a safe distance from wildlife, and being considerate and kind to other people.
For additional information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, please visit https://fs.usda.gov/htnf or participate in the conversation at https://twitter.com/HumboldtToiyabe and https://facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF/.
