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PUBLIC LAND ECLIPSE TIPS

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Humboldt Field Office

Media Contact:

WINNEMUCCA, NV -- The total solar eclipse will take place nearing the end to our local wildfire season, but not out of it. There is still a real threat from wildfires to homes, businesses, and wildlife in Humboldt and Pershing Counties. Keep fire safety and prevention as a top priority as you head out to enjoy what Nevada has to offer.

Wildfire Prevention Information

  • Know fire risks and respect fire restrictions and prevention orders, such as campfire and firework bans. Visit www.nevadafireinfo.org for current restrictions and prevention orders in Nevada.
  • Avoid parking or driving on dry grass as your vehicle can start a wildfire.
  • Sky lanterns are illegal in Nevada on BLM lands.
  • Never discard smoking materials on the ground or in vegetation.
  • Have a shovel and fire extinguisher or at least a gallon of water in campsites.
  • Select a site away from grasses, shrubs, overhanging branches, and stacked firewood.
  • Existing fire pits in established campgrounds are best.
  • Scrape away leaves and litter to bare soil, at least 10 feet on all sides of the fire pit.
  • Circle your campfire pit with rocks. Keep your campfire small and add wood in small amounts. Start your campfire with paper, cardboard, or manufactured fire starters. Don’t use gasoline.
  • Never leave the campfire unattended.
  • Before going to bed or leaving the campsite, drown the fire with water, stir the coals, and drown again. Repeat until the fire is out, and it is cool to the touch.

Dispersed Camping Information

Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources.

Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Camping limitation rules vary per office, please check with your local office for details on camping limitations. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.