No fires allowed in picnic area at Mount Charleston

Monday, July 1, 2002 | 9:40 a.m.

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches and more than 2 million acres have burned in the West, federal officials in charge of Southern Nevada wildlands have placed further restrictions on open flames because of extreme fire danger.

Fire restrictions now include developed campgrounds and picnic areas.

The restrictions apply to all of the Spring Mountains National Recreation area, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge and the Bureau of Land Management areas.

Fire restrictions have been in place since the end of May. They include no campfires, open flames, stoves or smoking cigarettes, as well as welding, acetylene torches or explosives, including fireworks.

Assistant fire management officer Bob Debaun reminded the public that possessing or using any fireworks at any time on federal lands is illegal in Nevada.

"Fireworks can be a source of ignition for wildfires," Debaun said. "Due to the extremely high potential for wildfires the public is urged to comply with the law."

Southern Nevada has already experienced two wildland fires that burned 350 acres of wetlands in the Las Vegas Wash.

Federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nevada Division of Forestry with the Clark County Fire Department have increased staff and equipment to fight blazes this summer.

Four additional water tenders, one engine company and two 15,000 gallon water storage tanks are in place.

The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard resort in Lee Canyon has made a 2 million gallon reservoir available to fire-fighting crews in case of emergency.

A single engine air tanker is also on standby at Mesquite, about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas, ready to respond to any wildland fire.

Anyone violating fire prohibitions is subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both punishments. Those violating the restrictions may also be liable for damages, suppression costs and any injuries resulting from a wildfire.

Fire restrictions were also announced for southwestern Utah's Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks Monument. The restrictions on open flames, smoking and explosives are the same as those in Southern Nevada.