BLM increases fire restrictions at Forks of Butte due to drought and wildfire danger
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REDDING, Calif. – Due to ongoing drought and increasing wildfire dangers, the Bureau of Land Management is prohibiting campfires and barbecues at the Forks of Butte Primitive Campground near Magalia in Butte County. The restriction will be in effect from Saturday, July 31, until further notice.
“One hundred percent of the state of California is in drought with 85 percent of the state in extreme drought,” said Jennifer Mata, manager of the BLM Redding Field Office. “Temperatures have been higher this summer and last compared to previous years, resulting in drier soils and plants and higher fire danger. We need take precautions to avoid accidental fire starts.”
Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed. Users must have a valid California Campfire Permit. These permits are available free at all BLM, CAL FIRE and Forest Service offices and online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/.
Other wildfire preventative measures/restrictions include:
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated, developed recreation site, or other designated area.
- No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines off established roads or trails. Chainsaws equipped with spark arresters may be used until 1 p.m. daily.
- No possession or use of fireworks, including California fire marshal-approved “safe and sane” devices.
- Target shooters may not use incendiary, tracer, steel core, armor-piercing, exploding or incendiary ammunition, or targets made of material that could explode or emit sparks.
The public can review the updated fire restriction order and other BLM fire restriction information at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions. 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.
More information on preventing wildland fires is available at 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.