BLM Advises the Public to be Fire Safe this July Fourth Weekend
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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Desert District would like to remind the public to stay safe during the July Fourth weekend by following fire restrictions and recreational shooting rules on public lands. The public is also reminded to exercise personal safety when recreating outdoors in hot temperatures.
"Independence Day weekend is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends," said Beth Ransel, BLM California Desert District Manager. "We encourage you to please be safe and follow important fire safety rules."
The BLM would like to remind the public that possession or use of all fireworks, including "safe and sane," as well as the use of floating sky lanterns, fire balloons or acetylene balloons is prohibited year-round on all BLM-managed public lands throughout southern California. These rules apply regardless of fire restrictions, including on public lands within the city limits of cities that allow "safe and sane" fireworks. For more information on specific locations, see map here: http://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=a330d77fe184408ab7c3b9a8035c37fb
Other public safety reminders include:
- Stage III fire restrictions are still in effect on public lands within the California Desert District. For more information on the different stages of fire restrictions, please visit the BLM website on "Seasonal Fire Restrictions" at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions
- Recreational target shooting restrictions that were started on May 26 on BLM-managed public lands within western Riverside and San Diego counties are still in place. Violations are punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. Also, the possession or use of any steel jacketed, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition of any caliber is illegal on BLM-managed public lands year round.
The community can help minimize human-caused wildfires by doing the following:
- Use controlled flame devices at campsites, such as portable stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid petroleum gas, rather than campfires. Campfires are currently not allowed on BLM-managed public lands throughout southern California.
- Smoke only within enclosed vehicles or camp trailers. Park motor vehicles away from locations where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.
For more information on the 2017 Fire Restriction Order, visit:
For more information about wildfire prevention from the BLM, please contact: California Desert District Office (951) 697-5200, Barstow Field Office (760) 252-6000, El Centro Field Office (760) 337-4400, Needles Field Office (760) 326-7000, Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office (760) 833-7100 or Ridgecrest Field Office (760) 384-5400.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.