The Bureau of Land Management has announced that seasonal fire restrictions will
decrease beginning October 1, 2025, on public lands and unincorporated private lands
in central and northwest Nevada.
The change applies to lands managed by the BLM, Nevada Division of Forestry, and
USDA Forest Service. Counties affected include Esmeralda, Eureka, Lander, Nye,
Humboldt, Pershing, and portions of Washoe, Lyon, and Churchill.
With the reduction, residents and visitors may once again build, maintain, attend, or
use open flames such as wood and charcoal campfires, as well as stove fires. Smoking
is also permitted, and activities such as welding, metal grinding, or operating
acetylene or other torches with open flames may resume.
Despite these eased restrictions, fire officials stress that some prohibitions remain in
place. Fireworks, pyrotechnics, and exploding targets are never allowed on public
lands. The possession or use of explosives, including binary targets, continues to be
prohibited. Likewise, it remains illegal to discharge firearms using tracer, incendiary,
or steel-component ammunition, all of which present heightened fire danger.
Another continuing requirement is the use of spark arrestors on internal or external
combustion engines. This applies to vehicles, chainsaws, generators, and other
equipment. Engines must be equipped with an approved and properly maintained
USDA spark arrestor before they can be operated on public lands.
Interagency fire managers emphasized that even with the decrease in restrictions, the
potential for large, fast-moving wildfires is still a concern.
“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.”
Officials said the decision to reduce restrictions reflects seasonal changes but urged
the public to stay mindful of ongoing risks.
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