Ranger warns graduates of fire danger

Dry conditions combined with increasing temperatures could make this graduation season combustible, warned Gary Schiff, district ranger for the US Forest Service Department.

"We are very proud of the graduates and their accomplishments," he said. "But we would appreciate that they celebrate responsibly."

He said an early spring melted the winter snow quickly, and logs that typically retain about 18 percent moisture are at 8 percent this year.

"Fuel conditions are very dry. Much dryer than they have been in many years."

Across the nation, the number of abandoned campfires or "party fires" causing major wildfires has risen significantly in the past 10 years, he said.

And Carson City is no exception.

Over Memorial Day weekend, two abandoned fires in Kings Canyon were spotted by the Forest Service and Carson City Fire Department.

Forest Service officials also removed a four-foot stack of pallets from the canyon. They believed the pallets were left in preparation for a graduation bonfire.

"That's typical of this time of year," Schiff explained. "It's a concern to us."

The concern rises with the mercury. Temperatures are supposed to reach the 90s by the end of the week, with the majority of graduations scheduled between Thursday and Saturday.

Schiff signed a letter along with other fire-prevention officials to Superintendent Mary Pierczynski, asking for the school district's support in cautioning students.

Pierczynski said activities such as Safe Grad help deter students from drinking alcohol and partying outside.

Safe Grad starts with a party Saturday evening after graduation at the Carson City Community Center with a variety of activities.

It culminates in an early-morning bus trip to Great America.

"Our community has really come together to provide activities for our graduates," she said. "It's very popular with the students."

Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.