Fire danger remains high for Labor Day weekend

SPARKS — Fire officials on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest would like to remind the public the fire danger level is still extreme.

The following Ranger Districts are currently in Stage I Fire Restrictions:

Bridgeport Ranger District; Carson Ranger District; Mountain-City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District; Santa Rosa Ranger District; Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Stage I Fire Restrictions include:

All campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires (wood, charcoal, and coal burning) are only allowed in designated campgrounds/areas. Portable cooking stoves utilizing liquefied or bottled fuel sources continue to be allowed on public lands.

Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle, building, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that’s void of all flammable material, including vegetation.

No welding equipment may be used, including acetylene or open flame torches, except by permit.

Fireworks, exploding targets, and incendiary or tracer ammo are always prohibited on public lands.

Forest users are also encouraged to always check with any Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Ranger District or the Forest’s website for up-to-date fire restrictions and follow these campfire safety tips:

Always abide by state and federal campfire restrictions.

Only adults should build and maintain campfires.

Never leave a campfire unattended. To extinguish it, keep a pail of water or shovel close by at all times.

Use existing fire-rings where it’s safe to do so.

Clear vegetation and debris down to bare soil within 10 feet around campfire.

Use wood no bigger than the fire ring.

Keep tents and other burnable materials away from the fire.

Be certain your campfire is completely out before you go to bed or leave the area. Pour water on the fire and douse the site thoroughly. Stir the campfire until there are no embers and the ashes are cold to the touch. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

The use or possession of fireworks on federal land is subject to confiscation and fines of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire can be held civilly and criminally liable.

Under current fire conditions, forest users should be aware that recreational shooting could cause a fire.

For information on fire restrictions on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, visit:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/htnf/alerts-notices.

To find out information about active forest fires visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/.

For information on current fire restrictions and the Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/htnf or participate in the conversation at https://twitter.com/HumboldtToiyabe and https://facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF/.