The Clark County Commission has designated May as Wildfire Awareness Month and is calling on all residents to work together to prevent wildfires and protect property from the risk of wildfires. Wildfire awareness season in Nevada runs from May to October.
“The potential for damage from wildfires and poor air quality are major concerns in southern Nevada, particularly during the spring and summer months when vegetation is at its driest,” said Brian O’Neal, Clark County Deputy Fire Chief, who oversaw the Rural Fire Clark County Division heads. “We are urging the public to limit all activities that could cause fires or make a fire worse when one starts.”
The Clark County Fire Department and the Mount Charleston and Moapa Valley Fire Districts are working with other local, state and federal agencies across the state of Nevada in support of the 2023 Nevada Wildfire Awareness Campaign: Protect Our Home, Prepare for Wildfire.” Several communities in the Clark County are threatened by wildfires including Kyle Canyon, Lee Canyon and Cold Creek at Mount Charleston, Mountain Springs, Trout Canyon, Blue Diamond, Nelson, Goodsprings, Moapa, Sandy Valley and Searchlight. One of the worst natural disasters in the county’s history occurred on July 1, 2013, when a lightning strike ignited the massive Carpenter 1 fire on Mount Charleston. The fire destroyed nearly 28,000 hectares of forest, destroyed six buildings and came dangerously close to homes. In Clark County, an average of 13,000 acres are burned by wildfires each year.
The public is encouraged to learn more about wildfire prevention through www.LivingWithFire.info. Tips for reducing the risk of wildfires include:
- Remove dead vegetation (trees, grass, leaves, etc.) around your home to limit potential fires.
- Properly soak and dispose of cigarette butts, charcoal briquettes, and any materials that may start a fire.
- Comply with fire safety restrictions in National Park Service, US Forest Service, and US Bureau of Land Management areas of southern Nevada, including Red Rock, Mount Charleston, and Lake Mead.
- Follow fireworks rules. The firing of fireworks of any kind, even those labeled “safe and healthy,” is prohibited on public property. To commemorate the 4th of July holiday from June 28th to July 4th each year, local jurisdictions permit the sale of “safe and wholesome” fireworks by nonprofit groups at licensed and controlled neighborhood stands. “Safe and healthy” firecrackers include sparklers and firecrackers that sit in a small, circular area on the ground and don’t explode in mid-air. Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, Roman candles, sky rockets – any item with easily combustible materials. To learn more, visit the multi-agency You Light It, We Write It campaign website at www.YouLightItWeWriteIt.Vegas.
- Equip all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and similar vehicles with spark arrestors.
- Keep in mind that roofs made of fire-resistant materials such as brick, metal, or asphalt can significantly increase your home’s survivability, while roofs made of wood shingles are more flammable.
- If you’re warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-powered radio for alerts and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of the local authorities.
- Learn more about Clark County’s efforts to combat the effects of climate change and promote sustainability at AllinClarkCounty.com/get-involved. Follow us on Twitter @SustainClarkCty.
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Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing superior service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and an area the size of New Jersey, Clark ranks 11th in the countryth-largest county and provides comprehensive regional services to 2.3 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors per year (2019). Included are the 8 of the nationth-Largest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The county also provides municipal services traditionally provided by cities for 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. These include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.
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