Fireworks prohibited on BLM managed public lands

Even though it may be legal to purchase fireworks in some locations, it is illegal to possess or use fireworks and/or pyrotechnics on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed lands. Illegal possession or use of fireworks can result in fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail for each offense, and the laws also provide for seizure and forfeiture of all such materials from individuals by law enforcement. If you do it anyway and your pyrotechnic activities cause a fire, property damage or bodily injury, you could be responsible financially. These restrictions include the restriction of possession and use of all fireworks (including safe and sane) and exploding targets on BLM managed public land in Northwestern Nevada.

On June 28, fire restrictions went into effect on public lands managed by BLM:

Fire Restrictions Prohibit the following:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire (using wood, charcoal or any other material), campfire, or stove fire except a portable stove using gas or pressurized liquid fuel, outside of a developed fee campground or picnic area (except by permit).

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or at a developed campground or picnic area.

3. Welding, or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit.

4. Using or causing to be used, any explosive, except by permit.

5. Possession or use of fireworks (always prohibited), or any other incendiary device.

6. Use of tracer rounds, steel-core ammunition or exploding targets including Binary Explosive Targets while recreational shooting.

7. Open burning (e.g. weeds, brush and yard debris).

Violations can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and a year in jail as well as the costs associated with resource damage, suppression costs, and injuries if found guilty.

So far this year, there have been 19 fires which burned approximately 7500 acres on BLM managed public lands within the Carson City District. This includes 11 human caused fires with five from target shooting.

The potential for devastating fires during the summer is very real. Report fires to the Sierra Front Interagency Fire Dispatch Center, Minden, Nevada, 775-883-5995, or dial 911.

For information, contact Lisa Ross at 775-885-6107.