According to the US Forest Service, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Bridgeport and Carson Ranger Districts will implement stage one fire restrictions beginning Monday, July 1.
The restrictions will last until October 31.
They are in place to help reduce the risk of human-caused fires during peak fire season.
The restrictions prohibit activities including building or maintaining a campfire or stove fire outside of designated recreation sites, smoking outside an enclosed vehicle or building, welding or operating an acetylene or torch with an open flame, using an explosive, and operating a chainsaw or other equipment with an internal combustion engine between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Failure to comply with fire restrictions may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.
"Even after a wet winter, the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada dried out quickly,” said Forest Fire Management Officer Gwen Sanchez. “By implementing these restrictions, we are attempting to minimize and/or stop altogether the risk of human-caused wildfires damaging our public lands and communities."
