Fireworks violations subject to $5,000 fines, forest service warns

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Stage 1 fire restrictions went into effect for the Spring Mountains nearly a month ago, and U.S. Forest Service officials are reminding people about heavy fines and/or jail time that come with use or possession of fireworks.

The Stage 1 restrictions will remain in effect until the 31st day of December 2024, unless rescinded earlier. A map of areas under fire restrictions in Nevada is available at https://www.nevadafireinfo.org/restrictions .

Mt. Charleston and the surrounding area is part of the Spring Mountains within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest .

Fines up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail are the penalties for ignoring the law on Forest Service land, and anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire can be held civilly and criminally liable. Fireworks are subject to confiscation.

“Setting off fireworks in the forest is not only illegal but can also result in wildfires. On average, 87% of all wildfires nationally are caused by humans each year,” Forest Fire Management Officer Gwen Sanchez said.

“Much of our state has more grass now than what we have seen in several years. This grass is dried out resulting in fast-growing wildfires. We want visitors to come out and enjoy their public lands but leave the fireworks at home,” she said.

Additionally, the Spring Mountains National Recreation is still under year-round fire restrictions. No campfires are allowed within one mile of homes in Kyle Canyon, Lee Canyon, Cold Creek, Mountain Springs, Trout Canyon, Lovell Canyon and Coal Springs. Signs are posted in these areas to remind the public.

Stage 1 restrictions:

• Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fire of any kind is prohibited, except campfires within approved fire pits and grills provided for in developed recreation sites. Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer, or while stopped or standing in a 3-foot diameter area barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating or parking a vehicle or other motorized equipment over or on top of dried/cured vegetation.
• Any Hot Work involving electric or gas welding, cutting, brazing, or similar flame or spark-producing operations.

Those restrictions are in addition to rules that are always in place prohibiting possession or use of fireworks or explosives. Discharging a firearm using tracers or steel-component ammunition is always prohibited. Operating any engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order is also prohibited.

The restrictions extend to Southern Nevada land controlled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Clark County, Moapa Valley Fire Protection District, Mesquite Fire Rescue, Mt. Charleston Fire Protection District, National Park Service, Nevada Division of Forestry, Nye County, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA Forest Service.

The U.S. Forest Service-Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Facebook page also recommends these practices:

• Fully extinguish campfires using the “drown, stir & feel” method.
• Stay on designated roads, don’t drive or park on tall, dry grass.
• Secure trailer chains, vehicle accessories and equipment, when driving on rough roads.
• Be aware and be safe!

If you’re traveling out of the county to a different national forest, check the fire restrictions there before going.

Call 911 to report any wildfire.

Some areas remain closed due to damage from flooding last summer. For information on closures, see https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/htnf/alerts-notices/?aid=82605 .

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