Department of Natural Resources: Take care during hot, dry weather

The state Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to take precautions to prevent sparking a fire in the hot and dry weather expected this weekend in Clark County.

The department has already responded to 230 wildfires, 120 of them caused by people burning debris, this year.

East-northeast winds are likely this weekend, with possible gusts up to 25 mph, and temperatures are predicted to be in the high 70s to mid-80s. Temperatures should be cooler Monday and Tuesday.

Residents are being asked to hold off on all burning until the warm weather pattern passes.

Here are some tips for burning when doing so becomes safe:

• Only build campfires when and where authorized, and extinguish them completely.

• Make sure all off-road vehicles have a properly functioning catalytic converter or approved spark arrestor.

• Dispose of lit smoking materials appropriately.

• Remember that discharging fireworks or use of incendiary ammunition or exploding targets is illegal on public lands.