With a heat wave developing throughout the region, the Carson City Fire Department has now implemented fire restrictions on city and privately owned lands within Carson City, according to the city's website.
Beginning Friday, Carson City joined the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Nevada Division of Forestry with implementing fire restrictions for all state and federally owned lands.
Vegetation in western Nevada and eastern California has dried out significantly since we've had back to back lower than normal precipitation seasons. A fairly large crop of grass and brush is evident at lower elevations and trees and other forest vegetation at higher elevations are quickly drying out. The public is encouraged to safely enjoy the public lands, bearing in mind that human-caused fires annually threaten human life, private property and public land resources every summer.
Off-highway motor vehicle enthusiasts are advised that hot exhaust systems can ignite dry grasses. The potential for another devastating fire during the summer is real. Report fires to the Carson City Dispatch Center by calling 911.
Fire Restrictions Prohibit:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire (using wood, charcoal or any other material), campfire, or stove fire except a portable stove using gas or pressurized liquid fuel, outside of a developed fee campground or picnic area (except by permit).
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or at a developed campground or picnic area.
Welding, or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit.
Using or causing to be used, any explosive, except by permit.
Possession or use of fireworks (always prohibited), or any other incendiary device.
Use of tracer rounds, steel-core ammunition or exploding targets while recreational shooting.
Open burning (e.g. weeds, brush and yard debris).
The BLM and the Forest Service recommend avoiding cross-country travel whenever possible to prevent grass from igniting from hot exhaust systems.
These restrictions do not prevent individual property owners from the safe use of barbecues, Chimineas, or patio fireplaces provided they are used on non-combustible surfaces away from ignitable wildland fuels on their property.