Campfires not allowed at Lake Tahoe-Nevada, Beaver Dam, Fort Churchill and Cathedral Gorge State Parks
CARSON CITY, Nev.–The Nevada Division of State Parks and Nevada Division of Forestry announced today that added fire restrictions are being implemented at Nevada state parks because of the high potential for wildfires. In addition to fire restrictions that are in place for all of Nevada’s 24 state parks, visitors to the following parks are not allowed to have any open fires even in designated picnic and campground areas:
- Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, which includes Sand Harbor, the Marlette/Hobart backcountry and Spooner Lake
- The Carson River Ranches area of Fort Churchill State Park in Silver Springs
- Beaver Dam State Park near Caliente
- Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca
“The potential for wildfires in Nevada has increased due to high temperatures, high winds and extremely dry vegetation,” said Dave Morrow, administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks.
Fire restrictions prohibit:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, except a fire in a portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle
- Welding or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit
- Using, or causing to be used, any explosive, except by permit
- Using fireworks or firing a tracer (fireworks of any kind are not allowed on public lands).
“Following fire restrictions and developing defensible space on private property will help reduce the risk of a catastrophic wildfire season,” said Pete Anderson, Nevada state forester and fire warden. “These restrictions should be taken seriously. Violations can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and a year in jail as well as the costs associated with damage, suppression costs and injuries.”
Fire restrictions are in effect until further notice.
“State parks and other public lands should be enjoyed, but they must be enjoyed responsibly to reduce the number of human-caused fires,” Morrow said.
More than 225 fires have already burned more than 12,000 acres in Nevada this year.
