Fireworks prohibited on public lands

The Fourth of July is a perfect time to enjoy National Forest System lands. However, all users should be aware that possessing, igniting, discharging, or using any kind of fireworks is prohibited on public lands.

“Setting off fireworks in the Forest is not only illegal but can also result in wildfires,” said Forest Fire Management Officer Gwen Sanchez. “On average, 87 percent of all wildfires nationally are caused by humans each year.  Much of our state has more grass now then what we have seen in several years.  This grass is dried out resulting in fast growing wildfires We want visitors to come out and enjoy their public lands but leave the fireworks at home.”

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

Visitors to National Forest Service lands should always use caution to prevent human-caused wildfires. To reduce the risk, please consider the following:

Before going camping, learn of any fire restrictions in place. To find out what fire restrictions are in place on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, visit https://bit.ly/HTNFFireRestrictions or www.nevadafireinfo.org. Currently all ranger districts and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area are in stage 1 fire restrictions, Except for Ely and Austin-Tonopah Ranger Districts

• Never leave a campfire unattended. Build campfires in cleared open areas and keep water and a shovel nearby. Make sure campfires are out and cool to the touch before leaving the area.

• Public recreating on the California part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will need to obtain a free California Campfire Permit if they plan to build a campfire or use a barbecue or stove at: http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfires/.

• When smoking, always dispose of cigarette debris in some type of ashtray.

• Avoid driving and parking in tall grass or on roads with heavy fine fuels accumulations. Exhaust particles, hot exhaust pipes, and hot catalytic converters can start grass fires. Maintain proper tire pressure. Driving on exposed wheel rims can throw sparks.

• Sparks from dragging chains, and exhaust from off-highway vehicles and motorcycles can start grass fires. Spark arresters are required on all recreational and portable gasoline-powered equipment.

• Exploding targets and incendiary or tracer ammo are prohibited on public lands.

• Be aware that all types of ammunition can start fires under the right conditions while target shooting. To avoid a chance of sparking, do not use solid copper, steel-core, or steel-jacketed ammunition, and always avoid shooting in dry fuels or rocky areas.

• Call 911 to report any wildfires.