BLM Nevada’s Fire Prevention Team kicks off their campaign to stop human-caused wildfires

Despite what people may think, most of the wildfires in Nevada are not caused by unattended campfires or discarded cigarettes, though both can be very dangerous. The Nevada’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Fire Prevention Team has launched its wildfire prevention campaign, Spark Safety, Not Wildfires, to educate travelers and tourists on how to practice fire safety while enjoying Nevada’s wondrous countryside. BLM Nevada Fire Prevention and Mitigation and Trespass State Lead, Kelsey Griffee, explained that a majority of wildfires are started by people — 85 percent of them according to the BLM— and could be avoided with just a little extra care. 

“We all have a part to play in wildfire prevention,” said Griffee. 

As summer approaches and travelers gear up for more recreation, it is just as important to exercise proper vehicle maintenance, as it is to make sure campfires are completely put out. Sparks from a dragging chain or an exposed wheel rim can lead to catastrophic human-caused wildfires in the most unfortunate circumstances. These instances, as well as parking in dry grass along the road, can and should be avoided to prevent fires.

“The only wildfires we can prevent are the ones that are human-caused,” said Griffee.

Doing a proper inspection of vehicles and trailers before traveling and being mindful of parking could prevent the next devastating wildfire. 

Being proactive and practicing responsible fire prevention measures is important to everyone, not just travelers. Griffee explained that Nevada has already seen some sizable fires this year as a result of escaped agricultural burns. The latest fires have consumed a combined 700 acres in Golconda and Lovelock, according to Griffee. 

Griffee said “This is the time to really start taking fire prevention seriously when doing anything that involves fire or heading out to do anything on public lands.” 

Raising awareness about wildfire prevention and cultivating a proactive approach will hopefully keep travelers out enjoying Nevada nature. Individuals and families are less likely to be able to enjoy their favorite places and activities with wildfires consuming the state. As safety is a main goal of fire prevention, so is enjoyment, according to Griffee. 

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the public lands,” Griffee said.

The wind is especially problematic during fire season. As travelers should be cautious of their vehicles, they must also consider the type of recreations they are doing and the weather. Using fireworks, exploding targets and steel-based ammunition is very dangerous on dry, hot, windy days. There is a state-wide fire prevention order from the BLM which prohibits the use of fireworks, exploding targets, and steel-component ammunition on public lands through October, according to Griffee. 

“Those are things that you should never bring out to public lands,” She said. 

The BLM reminds Nevadans and tourists to:

• Secure chains that may drag and spark fires amid dry vegetation. 

• Make sure tires are properly inflated to avoid exposed rims that throw sparks.

• Completely drown fires until they are cold to the touch.

• Do not use exploding targets or steel-component ammunition on public lands.

• Do not shoot targets on hot, dry, windy days. 

For more information on fire prevention, visit nevadafireinfo.org.