Fire restrictions settle in Friday

Fire restrictions for state and federal lands go into effect on Friday.

Establishment of restrictions on where someone can have a campfire or drive or what ammunition they can use is usually determined by the weather conditions.

On Monday, the National Weather Service issued its first red flag warning of 2010, prompted by the prospect of windy, dry conditions that will suck the moisture from wild vegetation.

That vegetation, which benefited from above normal moisture in the spring, is brown and brittle after a very dry June. The first half of July hasn't helped much, though there are spots in the Valley that have had some rain.

Between people enjoying the outdoors and the occasional thunderstorm, the chances of a devastating wildfire increase every day.

It has been a while since we've had a big fire here in Carson Valley, knock on wood. Maybe we're more careful, maybe the stars haven't been aligned properly. More likely, it's a combination of being good and lucky.

That's where each and every one of us comes in.

With fire, it's better to be careful than lucky. Take care with anything that produces a spark when out in the brush. Carry a shovel and water in case you start a fire, or even come across one.

The public lands belong to all of us. We have a duty to ourselves and our children to preserve them.