Stage 1 fire restrictions begin in northeast Nevada

ELKO, Nev. – Due to increased fire danger, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions start on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in northeast Nevada. These restrictions apply to lands within or managed by the following agencies and counties. (See specific jurisdictions below.)

• Counties: Elko County and northern portions of Eureka and Lander counties.
• Agencies: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Nevada Division of Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs. Elko, Lander, and Eureka County.

“As fire season approaches in northeast Nevada, it’s important the public know the vital role they play in preventing wildfires,” said Clint Mothershead, Fire Mitigation and Education Specialist for the BLM Elko District. “Many wildfires start from everyday activities that seem harmless – but in fire-prone areas, even small sparks can have devastating consequences for communities, landscapes, and livelihoods.”

The public can reduce wildfire risk by:

• Avoiding activities that generate sparks, such as dragging chains or recreational shooting during hot, windy conditions.
• Staying alert to dry vegetation and fire weather.
• Keeping fire suppression tools—like a shovel, extinguisher, and at least five gallons of water—on hand.

“Coordinating across jurisdictional boundaries is essential in Nevada where many communities are bordered by public lands,” Mothershead added. “We appreciate the Nevada counties joining northeast Nevada’s interagency fire restriction plan to raise awareness and ensure consistent fire prevention measures are in place.”

Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (wood, charcoal, or any other material), campfire, or stove fire*.
  • Except by permit or when in a developed fee campground or picnic area.
  • *Following stoves permitted: portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or when stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Operating or parking vehicles or other motorized equipment over or on top of dried/cured vegetation.
• Welding, metal grinding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame (except by permit).

Stage 1 restrictions are in effect in northeast Nevada July 1 – October 31, 2025, unless rescinded earlier. Individuals who knowingly and willfully engage in restricted or prohibited activities may face fines and be held responsible for any fire suppression or rehabilitation costs that result from their actions.

Jurisdictions and their specific restrictions

Agencies may have additional restrictions or exemptions. Fire restrictions may be entirely different in other parts of Nevada. Always check an area’s specific restrictions before visiting. The public is urged to reach out to agencies with questions using the hyperlinks below and visit NevadaFireInfo.org/restrictions for a map of current restrictions, and questions and answers. 

Bureau of Land Management – Elko District

Statewide year-round restrictions prohibit:

• Possessing, discharging, using, or allowing the use of fireworks, pyrotechnic or incendiary devices.
• Possessing, discharging, igniting, or causing explosives or explosive material to burn, including binary explosive targets.
• Discharging a firearm using tracer, incendiary, or steel-component ammunition.   
• Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a properly installed and maintained spark arresting devise in effective working order.

U.S. Forest Service – Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

• Campfires are only allowed within the approved fire pits or grills provided in developed recreation sites. A developed recreation site has Forest Service signage that designates it as an agency-owned campground or day use area and is identified on a Forest Service map as a site developed for that purpose.
• Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine is prohibited between 1 PM – 1 AM.
• Outdoor smoking is only authorized while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.

Nevada Division of Forestry – Northern Region

Nevada State Parks & Recreation Areas: South Fork, Wildhorse, Cave Lake, and Ward Charcoal Ovens.

• Park staff may or may not allow campfires on a day-to-day basis based on current weather conditions, such as a Red Flag Warning.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

• Fire is prohibited.

Elko County – Elko County Fire Protection District

• Effective July 1, Elko County will implement an open burn ban and encourages precautions on privately owned lands in alignment with BLM restrictions.
• Outside the incorporated cities of Carlin, Elko, Wells, and West Wendover, the use of burn barrels is permitted under specific safety conditions. Burn barrels must be equipped with a metal mesh cover, placed a safe distance from vegetation, have a water source readily available, a hand tool nearby, and always supervised by an adult.

Lander County & Eureka County

• Effective July 1, both counties will implement an open burn ban and encourage precautions on privately owned lands in alignment with BLM restrictions.

Media Contacts

• Bureau of Land Management – Clint Mothershead, (775) 753-0345
• Elko County Fire Protection District – Matt Petersen, (775) 738-9960
• Nevada Division of Forestry – Cynara Medina, (775) 684-2502
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Jenner Harsha, (916) 291-3791
• U.S. Forest Service – Erica Hupp, (775) 771-4777
• Lander County – Bert Ramos, (775) 635-2885
• Eureka County – Jeb Rowley, (775) 237-5372

Visit NevadaFireInfo.org to learn about wildfire prevention, preparedness, and fire restrictions. Stay updated with a map of current wildfires and fire cameras. Explore careers in fire, open positions, and guidance on how to apply.