Officials warn of fire dangers as heat rises
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Authorities are warning residents of increased fire dangers as temperatures rise in Southern Nevada. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Wildfires in northern Nevada serve as a reminder of fire dangers here in the Las Vegas area.
The Bureau of Land Management wants to remind people what they should and shouldn't be doning on public lands as temperatures rise this summer.
A collaboration between the five public land agencies in Southern Nevada helped get the word out that the public needs to be extra careful this summer, or risk hefty fines.
"We don't have a lot of moisture to bring a lot of regrowth, so once a fire does happen in this ecosystem, it could take up to 75 years for a fire to recover in that setting," Geoff Wallin with the BLM said.
A few minor fires have already flared up in Clark County, prompting authorities to remind people spending time outdoors of the rules.
"If you're going out camping, no charcoal stoves, no wood-burning fires. You are allowed to use propane for stoves, but everything as far as wood, charcoal- those are all restricted."
"No fireworks anywhere on any of the federal lands," said Ray Johnson with the U.S. Forest Service. "So we encourage people not to bring any kind of fireworks up to Mount Charleston."
At Mount Charleston, most fires are started by lightening, but the rules and restrictions are the same, and the fines are quite hefty.
"If you have a wood or charcoal fire anywhere except in a developed recreation area, then we will be writing you a citation for $250," Johnson said.
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