RENO, Nev. (AP) — State and federal officials are banning campfires and elevating other restrictions in Nevada and parts of eastern California due to severe wildfire risks and an unusually high number of human-caused blazes so far this year.
The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Nevada Division of Forestry announced the new restrictions effective at midnight Friday.
Open flame campfires are prohibited on all state and federal lands, including within developed campgrounds, day-use areas and dispersed-camp areas throughout the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada and eastern California
Land managers report record-dry conditions in Nevada, where much of the state is in a severe drought. They say the monsoonal moisture typical this time of year hasn’t materialized and experts expect the already critically dry fuels to continue to deteriorate throughout August.
Authorities say Nevada already has experienced more human-caused fires than the normal average for an entire year.
Other restrictions include a ban on smoking except within enclosed vehicles.
Fireworks, tracer rounds, explosive targets and all other incendiary devices also are banned.
The use of welding, acetylene torches or any explosive is prohibited without a permit.
It’s also now illegal to operate or park a vehicle or motorized equipment over the top of dried vegetation.
