Be aware of fire prohibition when making outdoor plans

Campfires have long been an important part of the outdoor experience. Historically, the presence of a campfire often meant the difference between life and death, but nowadays that is generally true in only some emergency situations.

For the most part, today’s campfire serves as more of a social gathering place than it does a survival tool. Because that is true, public land-managing agencies often limit the use of campfires and sometimes prohibit them altogether.

This summer is one of those times, and anyone with plans for an outdoor adventure this Memorial Day weekend should be aware that a fire prohibition is in effect on federally managed lands throughout Southern Nevada. Unless you have a rather thick billfold, I wouldn’t take that restriction lightly.

“Violations can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and a year in jail as well as the costs associated with resource damage, suppression costs and injuries if found guilty,” said Aaron Baldwin, National Park Service fire management officer.

The prohibition went into effect May 14 and was issued jointly by multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Nevada Division of Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service. That makes the fire restriction about as universal as it can be.

Anyone who has been out and about this spring and witnessed the grass growth resulting from early spring rains will recognize, as the agencies have pointed out, there is an increased potential for wildland fires.

The fire restrictions prohibit the building and use of any fire or campfire with the exception of a portable stove that uses gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel. Smoking is permitted only within an enclosed vehicle, and fireworks are absolutely forbidden. Recreational target shooters should be aware that the BLM is also prohibiting the use of steel-jacketed ammunition, which the agency says has been known to start fires when the steel core sparks on rocks and ignites dry vegetation. Fireworks, including those designated as “safe and sane,” are prohibited at all times on public lands.

As a rule, the only exceptions to the campfire restrictions are fires in developed campsites, such as those where a fee is collected. Within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, campers can have wood or charcoal fires in grills of developed picnic areas, campfires with wood- or charcoal-burning devices on the shoreline where natural vegetation is at least 100 feet from the shoreline and barbecue grills on private boats outside the harbors of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.

Those who rent boats are authorized to use barbecues attached to the vessel only if the activity is permitted under the rental agreement. Any barbecue fire onboard a vessel must be at least 100 feet from shoreline vegetation.

It also would be a good idea to make sure the barbecue is a long way from a gas tank or gas can.

On the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, campfires are permitted only in the fire rings at the Desert Pass Campground.

Anyone planning on camping or picnicking should check with the appropriate agency for the current fire regulations before leaving town and definitely before striking a match.

Freelance writer Doug Nielsen is a conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. His “In the Outdoors” column, published Thursday in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NDOW. Any opinions he states in his column are his own. He can be reached at intheoutdoorslv@gmail.com.