BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for northeast California public lands

SUSANVILLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is issuing fire restrictions for northeast California public lands managed by the Applegate and Eagle Lake field offices in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou and Shasta counties in California and Washoe County, Nevada beginning Monday, July 15.  These seasonal restrictions listed in the fire order will be in place to help prevent wildfire and will remain in effect until further notice. These restrictions are in addition to the BLM year-round statewide fire prevention order.

“Recognizing that most wildfires in California are human-caused and occur in close proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, these fire restrictions are an important way that we can help protect public lands and nearby communities from wildfire,” said Andrew Johnson, acting assistant field manager in the Eagle Lake Field Office, Susanville.

The fire restrictions prohibit campfires and barbecues, except within established campfire rings and barbecue grills in designated recreation sites.  Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used outside of developed recreation sites. In areas within California, users must have a valid California Campfire Permit, available online or at any BLM, Forest Service or CAL FIRE office.

Other fire restrictions include:

• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated, developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
• No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines may be used off established roads or trails. Chainsaws with functioning spark arresters can be used for personal firewood cutting until 1 p.m. daily.
• It is illegal year-round to possess or discharge fireworks including "safe and sane" devices on public lands.
• No target shooting with incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition, or using exploding targets.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or face imprisonment for not more than 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs may be borne by the trespasser.

Help prevent fires

Residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires.

• Make sure all campfires are dead out. Drown the fire ashes and stir around the fire area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. If it’s not cool, it is not out.
• Be sure to maintain proper tire pressure for all vehicles, ensure adequate tire tread, and check brakes for overheating. Do not drive or park on brush or grass. Do not drag chains while towing.
• Off road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.

More information about preventing wildland fires is available online. A listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California public lands is available on the fire restriction website. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service. For more information, telephone the Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300.