Fire restrictions take effect in western Nevada

RENO (AP) -- Drier vegetation and hotter temperatures are prompting fire restrictions in western Nevada.

State and federal officials say the restrictions taking effect Saturday affect public lands managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management's Carson City district and all areas of the Sierra Forest Fire Protection District in Carson City and Storey County.

Among other things, the order prohibits campfires outside developed campgrounds or picnic areas, smoking outside such areas or vehicles, welding, charcoal grills, open burning and the use of tracer rounds and steel-core ammunition while recreational shooting.

BLM and Nevada Division of Forestry officials say they will aggressively enforce the restrictions.

Eighteen human-caused wildfires have charred more than 7,500 acres to date within the BLM's Winnemucca district alone.

The U.S. Forest Service has imposed no restrictions at this time.