Columnist Barb Henderson: Public lands are no place for fireworks

Barb Henderson

Friday, July 2, 2004 | 9:38 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

Wave the flag and have a wonderful celebration this Fourth of July weekend with family and friends, but please remember fireworks are not allowed on public land and fire restrictions are in effect.

The Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service remind the public that possession or use of any fireworks, including those labeled "safe and sane," is prohibited on all public land. Affected areas include all areas, roads and trails on BLM Las Vegas Field Office-managed lands, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, including the Mt. Charleston area, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Here is a roundup of information from those agencies:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -- "Fireworks are always illegal on units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the Coyote Springs fire is an example of how dry conditions really are. We urge everyone to be very careful on the public lands," said Dick Birger, project leader for the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Bureau of Land Management -- "Fireworks are banned on public land year-round. If a wildfire is started on public land by fireworks, the person using the fireworks can be held responsible for the cost of the fire suppression as well as injuries and resource damage," said Kirsten Cannon, BLM public affairs specialist.

Lake Mead National Recreational Area -- "An extreme fire danger exists throughout Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Winter and spring rains promoted the abundant growth of grass and brush in the park. This vegetation has now dried with the heat of the season, producing heavy fuel for wildland fires. These dry conditions, mixed with abundant fuel, increase the likelihood of fires caused by lightning and visitor," said superintendent William K. Dickinson.

"We have received many inquiries about our decision to also prohibit shoreline campfires this year. We felt compelled to prohibit campfires on shoreline areas for the following reasons: an extreme threat of large wildland fires due to continued drought, and an increase in grass and brush due to winter and spring showers; our 2003 fire experience, specifically two wildland fires started by a sparks from shoreline campfires; and the limited ability of Lake Mead National Recreation Area fire personnel to cover all 1.5 million acres of the park and assist other fire agencies."

U.S. Forest Service -- "All fireworks are prohibited on public lands because they are highly flammable and have enormous potential to start fires. Fireworks pose a serious danger under the current fire conditions, which are at a critical level due to the lack of precipitation and high temperatures. Even one spark from a sparkler could ignite dry grass and cause a large fire," said Beth Short, spokeswoman for the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.

For more information contact any of the following agencies: U.S. Forest Service, 515-5400; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 515-5450; National Park Service, 293-8990; the Bureau of Land Management, 515-5000.

The Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery is open to the public for self-guided tours seven days a week. The staff working at the hatchery enjoys the opportunity to take youth groups and larger groups on tours. However, larger groups need to set up a tour time by calling (928) 767-3456.