Wildfire threat remains for next month

Monday, Aug. 22, 2005 | 9:33 a.m.

Fire officials are warning the public about wildland fire dangers as the threat of flames spreading through dry brush continues for at least another month.

More than 110 wildland fires have burned almost 146,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management lands in Southern Nevada so far this year, including the Red Rock Canyon area, BLM spokeswoman Kirsten Cannon said.

Adding land controlled by other government agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, more than 933,000 acres of federal lands in Southern Nevada have been scorched by flames feeding on dried grasses and shrubs that grew after heavy winter rains and then turned brown and crispy.

"We urge public land users to continue their vigilance in protecting natural resources by following fire restrictions," said Kevin Oliver, BLM Las Vegas Field Office fire management officer.

"So far, almost half of the fires have been caused by humans," Oliver said. The rest have been sparked by lightning strikes.

Since mid-May fire restrictions have been in place, including no fires, campfires or stove fires except in a portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.

Smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars is not allowed except within a closed vehicle. Welding or operating an acetylene torch with open flames is not allowed except if the operator has a permit. Explosives, fireworks or firing tracer rounds are not allowed on federal lands.

Target shooting is not allowed, except in designated shooting areas.

Shooting is not allowed in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Sunrise Mountain, Nellis Dunes and Apex, all areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Anyone shooting who causes a wildland fire is responsible for the costs of putting the fire out. Costs can exceed $100,000.

At Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the National Park Service eased a fire restriction on charcoal fires on Friday, Park Service spokeswoman Roxanne Dey said.

Charcoal fires are allowed in official campgrounds, picnic areas, long-term trailer villages and cabin sites in developed areas where brush has been cleared, she said.

However, campfires at the shoreline or outside developed areas are still prohibited, Dey said.

The Park Service warns smokers to stay in their closed vehicles and use ash trays. Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas and on paved or gravel roads and sidewalks.

Violators at Lake Mead may be responsible for damage to resources, injuries to people and the costs of putting out a fire, Dey said. Punishment can include fines of up to $5,000 and prison terms of up to six months.