BLM Bakersfield Field Office modifies fire restrictions
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office is lifting fire restrictions on Dec. 4, for approximately 640,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo and Tulare counties, due to reduced wildland fire conditions. Fire restrictions will also be lifted from BLM-managed recreational areas, including the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Chimney Peak, Kennedy Meadows, Keysville, Lake Isabella, San Joaquin River Gorge and Three Rivers.
An additional roughly 10,000 acres in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, which neighbor Los Padres National Forest, will remain in fire restrictions until Dec. 31.
The public is reminded to remain cautious when recreating on public lands to prevent a wildland fire. For more information, visit readyforwildfire.org/Prevent-Wildfire. Safety tips include not driving a vehicle onto dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and bucket of water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves. Free California campfire permits are available at all BLM, CAL FIRE and U.S. Forest Service offices and online at www.preventwildfireca.org/Permits.
Recreational shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Consider using paper targets to eliminate sparks. All shooters are required to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, can be held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs.
The BLM strives to be a good neighbor in the communities it serves, providing opportunities for economic growth with space for traditional uses such as ranching, mining and energy development, as well as hunting and fishing.
Homeowners are reminded to keep 100 feet of clean open space around homes to provide defensible space. For more information and wildland fire safety tips, visit http://www.readyforwildfire.org/. 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.