Fire restrictions expanded into Washoe County and Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest

Starting August 9, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is entering Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in response to the current severe risk of wildfire. Nevada is experiencing record dry conditions with much of the state in a severe drought.

Due to these conditions, the Washoe County park system is now restricting campfires and the use of charcoal pits at all parks until fire restrictions are lifted. Fires, campfires or barbecues using wood, charcoal or other material with the exception of portable stoves/grills using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are prohibited. This includes the use of campfire rings at Davis Creek Regional Park, and barbecues located through the park system.

These moves follow previous ones in the Lake Tahoe Basin in May. For the safety of communities, wildlife and forests, Lake Tahoe Basin National Forest lands are under year-round fire restrictions per Forest Order No. 19-19-02. This means campfires and charcoal are only allowed within metal fire rings in designated campgrounds like Fallen Leaf or Nevada Beach. Campfires and charcoal are not allowed in Desolation Wilderness or Meiss Country; along the Tahoe Rim Trail or Genoa Peak Road; in any backcountry rock fire rings; on National Forest beaches; or in the general forest. Illegal campfires should be reported immediately to 911. Portable pressurized gas stoves are allowed in all areas with a valid California Campfire Permit obtainable online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/.

Nevada officials expect the already critically dry fuels to continue to deteriorate ever further throughout the month of August. Because of these fuel conditions, there is a high likelihood of a fire exhibiting extreme behavior and posing containment problems for firefighters. State and federal agencies have also experienced an increase in public land use and human-caused fires. To date, there have been more human-caused fires across the state than what is normally averaged in an entire year. Based on a combination of these factors, fire restrictions are being updated to better match the current wildfire season and conditions.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for Humboldt-Toiyabe prohibit:
1. All campfires on Humboldt-Toiyabe land, including in developed and dispersed campgrounds and day use areas. This includes charcoal stoves. A portable stove with an on/off switch using gas or propane is allowed.
2. Driving or parking a vehicle or other motorized equipment over dried vegetation.
3. Operating a chainsaw after 1 p.m.
4. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
5. Smoking outside of a vehicle or building.
6. Using an explosive.