"A dry winter has left a majority of the state with well below average mountain snow packs and little runoff. Many rivers and streams have already experienced peak flows and are dwindling rapidly. Nevada’s forests, woodlands and rangelands are all being impacted by the ongoing drought with fuel moistures extremely low. A majority of our state is now or will be in fire restrictions shortly," State Forester Firewarden Pete Anderson said on Friday, June 15.

In addition, the Eastern Nevada Interagency Fire Management urges the public to be aware and cautious when engaging in outdoor activities, especially when camping or cutting firewood.

“Eastern Nevada is extremely dry and the wildfires this season are exhibiting abnormal behavior,” Tye Petersen, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely District fire management officer, said Friday. The BLM is a member of the Eastern Nevada Interagency Fire Management team. Other members are Lincoln and White Pine counties, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service.

Petersen offered a few suggestions for fire-safe outdoor recreation.

Drive only on existing roads and trails. Stop periodically and check beneath your vehicle for brush and grass that can ignite and spread a wildfire, and unload and load your All-Terrain Vehicle in an open or cleared area.

Use approved

campgrounds and keep campfires small and the surrounding area clear of brush and debris. Keep water and a shovel within easy reach and remember to drown the campfire and stir the ashes and check for heat.

To learn more, go to www.livingwithfire.info or call BLM Ely District Fire Management Officer Tye Petersen at (775) 289-1800.

Throughout the west and southwest, the number of large wildfires is growing both in size and complexity, with New Mexico and Colorado currently experiencing catastrophic losses of homes, infrastructure and natural resources. According to Anderson, July and August are typically Nevada’s busiest wildfire months. Yet, from the Fall of 2011 to the present, the Nevada Division of Forestry and other fire agencies have responded to wildfire incidents every single month, including several large wildfires in Douglas, Elko and Washoe counties.

"I implore all Nevadans to take personal responsibility for preventing wildfires. While nature plays a role in some fire starts, it is up to each individual to ensure that no matter what the activity, from target shooting to exploring Nevada’s wildlands, we are all thinking about and doing everything possible to prevent wildfire ignitions," Anderson remarked.

Please contact your local Fire District or the Nevada Division of Forestry at 775-684-2500 should you have questions or for additional information.