Fire restrictions ease in parts of Nevada, but caution still urged

Fire restrictions on public lands and unincorporated private lands in central and northwest Nevada will decrease starting October 1.

This will allow for certain previously prohibited activities like campfires, smoking, and the use of open flame tools.

The rescission affects lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF), and the USDA Forest Service, covering Esmeralda, Eureka, Lander, Nye, Humboldt, and Pershing counties, as well as portions of Washoe, Lyon, and Churchill counties.

“Residents and visitors should remain vigilant and continue to recreate responsibly to prevent wildfires,” said Donovan Walker, Winnemucca District Fire Management Officer. “Most Nevada wildfires are human-caused, so it’s important people understand their role in fire safety.”

The eased restrictions allow people to:

Build, maintain, attend, or use a fire (wood, charcoal, or other materials), campfire, or stove fire
Smoke in outdoor areas
Weld, grind metal, or operate an acetylene or similar open-flame torch

However, not all restrictions are being lifted. Fire managers emphasized that people should check with the specific agency responsible for the land they plan to visit, as some restrictions remain in place and may vary.

The rollback also does not override any local fire department burn bans on private property. People are advised to contact their local fire department before burning.

Some activities remain prohibited across all affected areas, including: