Date: June 29, 2005

CONTACT: Jamie Thompson, Public Affairs Officer, (775) 623-1500

Wildland Fire Danger Increasing: Public Asked to Take Extra Care

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Winnemucca Field Office says that our wet winter and spring have caused a build-up of what firefighters call “fine fuels” – grasses and other small plants. These fine fuels ignite very easily and can cause fast moving wildfires that can burn over large areas in short time frames. Most wildfires in our area are caused by lightning, but a few are caused by people each year. “We are asking the public to be especially careful when they are out enjoying the public lands,” says Assistant Fire Management Officer Paul Petersen.

As always the public should only build campfires in spaces completely cleared of all flammable materials and should not smoke or discard smoking materials except inside of vehicles or in cleared areas. Another danger this year is vehicle fires. There have been several fires already this season caused by fine fuels getting caught in the undercarriage of vehicles and contacting the catalytic converter. So far these have been extinguished quickly, but it’s a warning that it’s important to regularly check under vehicles and remove any buildup of vegetation found there.

“This has been a good year for precipitation, but unfortunately it has also produced a bumper crop of cheat grass and red brome which is drying out fast,” said Acting Associate Field Manager, Rodger Bryan. “We rely on the public’s help and cooperation in preventing and reporting wildland fire and appreciate it very much.”

With the Independence Day holiday this weekend comes the use of fireworks. The public is reminded that fireworks are not permitted on public lands. The best fireworks displays are those lawfully permitted by local government.
To report a wildland fire in the North Central Nevada area, call 775-623-3444.

– BLM –