Fire Restriction In Place For Eastern Sierra

Hot, dry conditions like those fueling the fatal Cannon fire along the eastern Sierra are prompting state and federal land managers to officially impose fire restrictions across northwestern Nevada.

The restrictions take effect tomorrow for the Carson Ranger District of the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Carson Field District of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the Nevada Division of Forestry´s western region.

The area runs roughly from the eastern Sierra south of Carson City to around Pyramid Lake northeast of Reno and includes Douglas, Washoe and Storey counties as well as Carson City.

The official start of fire season comes a little more than a week ahead of schedule. Forest Service spokesman Leonard Wehking says they had been aiming for July first. But he says they decided to bump it up based on the erratic fire behavior and the danger at the Cannon fire.

Under the restrictions, outdoor fires are prohibited except in developed recreation sites. Developed sites are defined as areas where there is a host and a fee is charged.

Smoking also will be banned in most areas outside buildings and vehicles. Welding, fireworks and explosives also are forbidden.

Vehicles have to stay on roads and ones that are traveling in wildland areas must carry an ax, a shovel and a gallon of water. People who are caught ignoring the restrictions could face jail time and fines up to ten thousand dollars.