City: Prison Hill OHV to close in event of Red Flag Warning

The Prison Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area and the trails and areas beyond the motorized trailhead/staging area located on Golden Eagle Lane in Carson City will be closed during Red Flag Warning days, city officials said in a news release.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning in Carson and surrounding areas from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday.

“A Red Flag Warning is a forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire ignition and rapid spread,” officials said.

The city said Red Flag criteria occur whenever a geographical area has been in a dry spell for a week or two, and the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) assesses the wildfire risk as high to extreme. The following weather parameters are forecast to be met: a sustained wind speed average of 15 mph or greater; relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent; and a temperature greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Closures of the Prison Hill OHV area will typically occur in the afternoon when temperatures and wind speeds are at their highest. It is the motorized users’ responsibility to be aware of Red Flag Warning days and plan outdoor recreation accordingly,” the city said. “Additionally, regardless of conditions, it is important that users recreate responsibly and carry a shovel, extra water, and fire extinguisher in the event of an incident as well.”

Visit forecast.weather.gov for update and www.nevadafireinfo.org for information.

During Red Flag Warning closures, motorized recreation in the Prison Hill OHV Area is a criminal violation and can result in a citation, the city said.

Contact Lyndsey Boyer, Carson City Open Space Manager, at (775) 283-7341 for more information.