The U.S. Forest Service has announced fire restrictions in the Carson and Bridgeport ranger districts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in western Nevada and eastern California.
The Associated Press reports the restrictions go into effect Monday and will last until further notice.
Officials say tinder-dry vegetation, drought conditions and increasing daytime temperatures necessitate the restrictions to try to prevent fires.
The order prohibits campfires outside developed campgrounds or picnic areas, smoking outside such areas or vehicles, welding, charcoal grills, open burning and the use of tracer rounds and steel-core ammunition while recreational shooting.
The BLM and Nevada Division of Forestry imposed similar public land restrictions late last month.
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Due to dangerous fire conditions in the forests along the eastern slope of the Sierra, Washoe County's Department of Regional Parks and Open Space announced today that fire safety restrictions will begin immediately in Galena Creek Regional Park and remain in effect until further notice.
"Effective today, the use of wood, charcoal or other material to build a fire or barbeque is prohibited within Galena Creek Regional Park and the Jones Creek Picnic Area," County Parks Superintendent Eric Crump said. "None of the provided barbecues located within these areas can be used for charcoal or wood fueled fires. Only portable stoves using gas or pressurized liquid fuel will be allowed."
Smoking is only allowed within a closed vehicle or at a developed picnic area.
The Galena Creek Regional Park restrictions are consistent with fire restrictions announced last week by the Carson and Bridgeport Ranger Districts of the USDA Forest Service's Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest. The U.S. Forest Service cited a large crop of grass and brush evident at the lower elevation and trees and other forest vegetation that are quickly drying out.
"The public is encouraged to safely enjoy the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest," the U.S. Forest Service press release said. "Bearing in mind that human-caused fires annually threaten human life, private property and public land resources every summer."
Currently campfires are allowed at Washoe County's Davis Creek Campground, except during Red Flag Warnings, but worsening conditions could result in further restrictions. The Forest Service is allowing campfires in some of the developed campgrounds throughout the two districts.
For a list of affected area, please contact the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Supervisor's Office at 775-331-6444 in Sparks, the Carson Ranger District at 775-882-2766, or the Bridgeport Ranger District at 760-932-7070.
(The Associated Press and Washoe County contributed to this report.)
