Residents may begin burning weeds, brush

Officials at Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Services have ended the area's burn moratorium, paving the way for residents to begin burning this month.

The department's executive assistant, Jennifer Fanning, cautioned that the ordinance is only for weed abatement.

"It's used to burn tree limbs or any kind of brush you have in your yard like weeds, leaves and other stuff like that," she said. "You're not allowed to burn any of your household trash or tires or anything like that. It's just pretty much used for yard cleanup."

In order to burn, residents must obtain a permit at the main fire station at 300 N. Highway 160.

The permits, Fanning said, are issued on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

She noted there are a few stipulations in order to obtain the permit, which remains for as long as the resident is living on the property.

There are no expiration or renewals necessary.

"You need to be the property owner and you have to have at least liability insurance for bare properties," she said. "Properties with a home on it have homeowners' insurance, which is better than liability. The permit takes a matter of minutes to get, and all we need is your driver's license and a copy of the insurance policy, if possible."

Residents can burn from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays.

There is no burning on holidays and when wind conditions exceed five miles per hour.

Additionally, Fanning noted that the department regularly receives calls from residents not long after the moratorium is lifted each year.

"When burn season comes around we go out on a lot of smoke investigations, multiple times throughout the day and always investigate those."

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @sharrispvt