BLM: Fireworks are banned on all public lands

With Fourth of July this weekend, fans of the red, white and boom will be out to show their enthusiasm for the holiday by shooting off fireworks purchased at one of the several firework businesses around town.

Even though patrons are allowed to purchase fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, there are various public areas that are illegal to shoot off the fireworks, especially land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

It is illegal to possess or use fireworks and/or pyrotechnics on BLM-owned public land and fines of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail could be levied on a person for each offense.

In addition, if an individual’s pyrotechnic activities cause a fire, property damage, or bodily injury, they could be financially responsible for damage or suspension costs.

On June 26, fire restrictions went into effect on public lands managed by the BLM in western Nevada.

The 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, jellied petroleum, 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. Operating vehicles or other motorized equipment off of existing paved, gravel, or dirt roads.

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

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

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

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

In Nye County, 98 percent of land is under federal government control, so odds are anywhere on the the outskirts of town is going to be off-limits to firework enthusiasts.

Instead of risking possible repercussions for shooting off fireworks illegally, there is an approved launch site located at Fox Avenue off Gamebird Road, that can ensure those enjoying the holiday do so in a safe and lawful fashion.

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.