BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for public lands managed by Arcata Field Office
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ARCATA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will implement fire restrictions for public lands managed by its Arcata Field Office in Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties, beginning Friday, June 26. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the year-round statewide fire prevention order, issued on April 28.
“We are implementing these seasonal restrictions to help protect public lands and nearby communities from wildfire,” said BLM Arcata Field Manager Molly Brown. “Dry fuels and high temperatures have significantly increased fire danger, and we need to minimize the potential for fire starts. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts the likelihood for large fires will be above normal this summer.”
The fire restrictions prohibit all campfires and barbecues, except in the Samoa Dunes picnic area, and the Mattole, Tolkan, Nadelos and Wailaki campgrounds in the King Range National Conservation Area.
Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed outside of posted campgrounds and recreation sites, including the Lost Coast Trail, with a valid California campfire permit.
Visitors should be extremely careful with campfires. Wildland visitors should carry shovels and water. Free California campfire permits are available online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/
and at BLM, Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.
Other 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 off established roads or trails. There is an exception for the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area and the wave slope of the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, South Spit, Humboldt Bay.
• No possession or use of fireworks, including California State Fire Marshal-labeled “safe and sane” devices. There is an exemption in place for July 4 only at the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area near Eureka.
• No target shooting with incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition, or using exploding targets
BLM officials noted that violations of fire restrictions are punishable by a fine up to $100,000 or up to 12 months in jail, or both. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred may be borne by the trespasser.
For more information, telephone the Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300. Information on fire restrictions across public lands in California is available online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions. To learn how you can do your part to prevent wildland fires visit www.readyforwildfire.org.
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.