BLM Bakersfield Field Office to issue seasonal fire restrictions
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management, in close coordination with the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, will issue seasonal fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Bakersfield Field Office effective Friday, May 21, due to dry conditions and high wildland fire danger. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the year-round statewide fire prevention order, issued on April 28, 2020. This seasonal fire order will remain in effect until further notice.
The BLM-managed public lands affected by these fire restrictions are in eastern Fresno, western Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties, as well as the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Keysville Special Recreation Management Area, Lake Isabella and San Joaquin River Gorge.
The additional restrictions include no campfires, barbecues, or open fires, in or outside of developed campgrounds. Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid California campfire permit available free at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices, or at www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/.
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. In 2020, approximately 275 wildland fires burned nearly 200,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands in California. 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 fire dangers subside:
- No tools powered by internal combustion engines off BLM designated roads or trails (such as chainsaws generators, or ATVs).
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
- No fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks.
- Target shooters may not use incendiary, exploding, tracer, steel core, steel jacketed or armor piercing ammunition. No steel targets allowed – hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildland fire. Shooters actively engaged in the legal take/pursuit of game and non-game species must have a valid California hunting license and must abide by California laws and regulations.
- No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
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. A listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California is available at https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG. For specific questions, please contact the Bakersfield Field Office at 661-391-6000.
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.