BLM Bishop Field Office announces seasonal fire restrictions

BISHOP, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is issuing fire restrictions for all public lands managed by the Bishop Field Office effective Monday, July 1, due to dry conditions and wildland fire danger. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the year-round statewide fire prevention order. This seasonal fire order will remain in effect until further notice.

The BLM-managed public lands affected by these fire restrictions extend from the southern Owens Valley in Inyo County, north to Topaz Lake, and the Nevada border in Mono County. These fire restrictions also apply to popular BLM-managed recreational areas in the region, including the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, Inyo Mountains Wilderness, Volcanic Tableland, Long Valley, Adobe Valley, Mono Basin, Bodie Hills, Bridgeport Valley and Slinkard Valley.

“The warming temperatures and increasingly dry conditions in these areas have made it necessary to enter into fire restrictions for BLM managed lands within the Bishop Field Office,” advises Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius. “We ask that visitors follow these restrictions and do their part to help us minimize fire potential when visiting public land.”

On average, human-caused wildfires make up 95 percent of all wildfires in California. Many of these wildfires occur close in proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing considerable threat to public safety. Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildfire risk, while recreating on public lands, around homes and communities, before a fire occurs can help keep property, the public and firefighters safe.

Overall, wildfire activity is lasting longer throughout each year and becoming more extreme. As such, the following restrictions will remain in place until the fire danger subsides:

• No Campfires, briquette/charcoal barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of agency-provided fire rings or barbeques at developed campgrounds.
• No Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. 
• No motorized vehicles, tools powered by internal combustion engines or battery-operated chainsaws off designated roads or trails.
• No target shooting – hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Hunting in the pursuit of game and non-game species is allowed with a valid state of California hunting license. The use of any steel-jacked, steel core or incendiary ammunition of any caliber is prohibited. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations.  

As always, possessing, discharging or using fireworks or pyrotechnic devices are prohibited across Bureau of Land Management lands. Additionally, a valid California Campfire Permit is required to operate a stove or fire on public lands. 

HELP PREVENT FIRES

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

• Make sure all campfires are dead out! Drown it 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.
• Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.
• Remember the use of steel-core ammunition, although legal while hunting, can greatly increase the chance of a wildfire if ricocheted off objects such as rocks.

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 incurred may be borne by the trespasser.

To learn how to prevent wildland fires, visit CAL FIRE online. Fire information and a map of current fire restrictions and active fire prevention orders are available online. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service. For specific questions, please contact the Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000.