BLM Bishop Field Office issues seasonal fire restrictions in Inyo County
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BISHOP, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management announces fire restrictions are effective Wednesday, June 28, for public lands managed by the Bishop Field Office in Inyo County. These seasonal restrictions are necessary due to dry conditions and wildland fire danger and 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 in Alpine and Mono counties are not affected by this order.
“The exceptionally wet winter has resulted in a significant amount of vegetation growth. Due to increasingly dry conditions in the southern part of the Field Office, it has become necessary to implement additional fire restrictions,” advises Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius. “We ask that visitors follow these restrictions and do their part to help us minimize fire potential when visiting public land.”
On average, human-caused wildfires make up 95 percent of all wildfires in California. Records show recreational target shooting has sparked more than half the wildland fires within the Bishop Field Office boundary in the last decade. Many of these wildfires occur close in proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing considerable threat to public safety. 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.
An increase in wildfire severity is expected based on forecasted climate scenarios, as well as an expansion of wildfire season over much of the western United States. The following restrictions will remain in place until the fire danger subsides:
- No campfires, briquette/charcoal barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of agency-provided fire rings or barbeques at designated developed recreation sites.
- No Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed campground with a three-foot diameter area clear of brush and all flammable materials.
- No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- No motorized vehicles or tools powered by internal combustion engines off designated roads or trails.
- No target shooting, hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Hunting in the pursuit of game and non-game species is allowed with a state of California hunting license and in accordance with California hunting regulations. The use of any steel-jacked, steel core or incendiary ammunition of any caliber is prohibited. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations.
As always, possessing, discharging or using fireworks or pyrotechnic devices are prohibited across Bureau of Land Management lands. Additionally, a valid California Campfire Permit is required to operate a stove or fire on public lands.
HELP PREVENT FIRES
Residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires:
- Make sure all campfires are dead out! Drown it and stir around the fire area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. If it’s not cool, it is not out.
- Be sure to maintain proper tire pressure for all vehicles, ensure adequate tire tread, and check brakes for overheating. Do not drive or park on brush or grass. Do not drag chains while towing.
- Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.
- Remember the use of steel-core ammunition, although legal while hunting, can greatly increase the chance of a wildfire if ricocheted off objects such as rocks.
Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or face 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 to prevent wildland fires, visit online at www.readyforwildfire.org. A map of current restrictions and active fire prevention orders are available online at: https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/fire/. For specific questions, please contact the Bishop Field Office at 760-872-5000
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.