Dry conditions prompt fire limits

Thursday, May 23, 2002 | 9:18 a.m.

The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have restricted fires, smoking and fireworks on all public lands, roads and trails because of the extremely dry conditions in Southern Nevada.

"With below average precipitation we are experiencing dry conditions earlier than usual," Tom Suwyn, interagency fire management officer, said.

"We encourage the public to enjoy their federal land, but to do so responsibly," he said. "Conditions are such that the potential for a catastrophic fire is a real possibility."

Fire restrictions went into effect at noon on Wednesday and remain in effect until further notice. Areas under restriction include the Spring Mountains, west of Las Vegas, including Mount Charleston, BLM areas such as Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Desert National Wildlife Refuge.

Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are acceptable. No fires or stove fires are allowed outside developed recreation sites.

Smoking is banned except in an enclosed vehicle or developed recreation site.

No welding, operating an acetylene torch or fireworks are allowed.

In addition, the Nevada Division of Forestry prohibits operating vehicles off existing hard-surface gravel roads or dirt roads within wildland areas. Vehicle operators must carry at least an axe, shovel and one gallon of water.