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REDDING, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management announces seasonal fire restrictions effective beginning Monday, July 3, on public lands managed by the BLM Redding and Arcata field offices in Butte, Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou, Tehama, Humboldt, Del Norte and northern Mendocino counties.

These seasonal restrictions are necessary due to warming temperatures and vegetation drying and are in addition to the California year-round fire prevention order, issued on April 28, 2020. The Redding and Arcata seasonal fire orders will remain in effect until further notice.

“These seasonal restrictions are important as we work to prevent wildfires that can damage natural resources and communities,” said Dereck Wilson, manager of the BLM Northern California District. “Each year, we appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the public.”

The following restrictions will remain in place until 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.
  • On public lands managed by the Redding Field Office, designated sites are limited to the Shasta and Bohemotash campgrounds in the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle area, and the Junction City, Steel Bridge and Douglas City campgrounds in Trinity County.
  • Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used outside of developed recreation sites. Users must have a valid California Campfire Permit, available at www.readyforwildfire.org, or at any BLM, Forest Service or CAL FIRE office.
• No smoking, except within an enclosed building, or at a designated, developed recreation site or other designated area.
• No motorized vehicles or tools powered by internal combustion engines off designated roads or trails.
  • Chainsaws with functional spark arrestors may be used for firewood cutting until 1 p.m. daily.
• Target shooting is allowed from a half-hour before sunrise to noon daily. Fire restrictions prohibit possession or use of steel jacket, steel core, armor piercing, tracer, incendiary or exploding ammunition, and targets that explode or emit sparks.
• No possession or use of fireworks, including those labeled “safe and sane.” There is an exemption for Fourth of July only, when California state fire marshal-approved fireworks can be used at a designated area at the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, along the Pacific Ocean, near Arcata.

HELP PREVENT FIRES

The BLM reminds residents and visitors to take these precautions to help prevent wildfires:

• Make sure all campfires are dead out. Drown it and stir it 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 when used on public lands.

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/.

Site specific information is available from the Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300, or the Redding Field Office, 530-224-2100.