BLM increases fire restrictions in Central California District due to high fire danger

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is increasing fire restrictions and temporary target shooting limitations for BLM-managed public lands within the Central California District. Increased restrictions are in effect for the Central Coast Field Office, Mother Lode Field Office, and the Ukiah Field Office effective July 24, due to high fire danger. These increased restrictions are in addition to the initial fire restrictions issued by the field offices and the year-round statewide fire prevention order and will remain in effect until further notice.

The additional fire restriction prohibits campfires, barbeques, or open flame of any kind, even if you are in a developed campground. Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using gas, jelled petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed both in and outside of a developed campground with a valid California campfire permit, available free at any USDA Forest Service, BLM or CalFire office, as well as online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/.

The BLM’s top priority is always the safety of our staff and recreating public. Please remember to only park legally when using BLM-managed recreation sites. Parking along state routes and county roads can inadvertently cause wildfires and may block access for firefighting engines and emergency vehicles, delaying life-saving services.

This has already been an active wildland fire year with fires occurring 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.

The following restrictions will remain in place until the fire danger subsides:

• No campfires, barbeques or open flame of any kind, even in developed campgrounds.
• No target shooting – hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Use of firearms for hunting is still allowed. Hunters must abide by state of California laws and regulations. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations.
• No motorized vehicles off BLM designated roads or trails.
• No tools powered by internal combustion engines off BLM designated roads or trails (such as chainsaws or lawn mowers).
• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
• No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• No explosives.
   

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or 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 you can do your part to prevent wildland fires visit www.readyforwildfire.org. Fire restrictions for all California BLM-managed public lands can be found on our website. The latest information is available online or by contacting the Central Coast, Mother Lode, or Ukiah field offices directly.