Cathedral picnic area reopens on Mount Charleston; fire restrictions still in place

Firefighters removed the last hazardous tree damaged in the Cathedral fire and reopened a picnic area on Mount Charleston, Bureau of Land Management officials said Thursday.

BLM officials said the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, was reopened. All other trails were reopened Monday.

Fire restrictions remain in effect. Building, maintaining or using fire, a campfire or a stove fire is prohibited. The restriction does not apply to portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.

No smoking is allowed except within a closed vehicle. The use of acetylene torches with open flames is prohibited without a permit. No explosives are allowed without a permit. The use of fireworks also is prohibited.

The 20-acre fire began July 1. It was ignited by an illegal campfire. The fire was fully contained Monday.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.