BLM reminds public of ongoing fire restrictions and fire safety in the California Desert District

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – With the Independence Day holiday approaching, public land users are reminded that Stage II fire restrictions are still in effect throughout the California Desert District.

Stage II restrictions prohibit setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fire of any kind and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer unless prohibited by State or local laws. Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit.

The possession or use of all fireworks, floating sky lanterns, fire balloons, or acetylene balloons is prohibited year-round on all BLM-managed public lands regardless of stage restrictions. Visit the California Fire Information and Fire Restrictions website for a list of fire restrictions and fire orders throughout BLM California.

The BLM continues seasonal restrictions for recreational target shooting in western Riverside, Imperial, and San Diego counties that began on May 22, 2024 and ends on October 24, 2024, unless terminated sooner.

While enjoying and recreating on public lands, the BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation to help minimize human-caused wildfires by following these precautions:

• Always have a five-foot circle cleared around your campfire and have a California Campfire Permit.
• Always have a shovel and plenty of water on hand and put your campfire DEAD OUT, before leaving.
• Never use steel targets, steel jacketed, steel core or incendiary ammunition for recreational shooting as they are more likely to cause a fire.
• No campfires or recreational target shooting during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch.
• Park vehicles away from areas where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.
• If you plan to mow your yard or clear weeds, please do so early in the morning and on cooler days with no wind.

For more BLM information about wildfire prevention, please contact the California Desert District Office at 951-697-5200; Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000; El Centro Field Office at 760-337-4400; Needles Field Office at 760-326-7000; Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office at 760-833-7100; or Ridgecrest Field Office at 760-384-5400.