For Release: Aug. 29, 2003
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-03-87

BLM lifts fire restrictions on lands managed by NE California offices
Restrictions remain in effect for many other areas

The Bureau of Land Management has announced that restrictions on outdoor use of fire have been lifted for public lands managed by the agency's offices in Susanville, Alturas and Cedarville. The offices administer about three million acres in northeast California and the northwest corner of Nevada.

The easing of restrictions, effective at midnight Friday, Aug. 29, means that campfires can again be used in areas outside of developed campgrounds. Campfire permits are required. Internal combustion engines can again be used off of established roads and trails, and smoking is no longer restricted to developed recreation sites and enclosed vehicles. The daily 1 p.m. shutdown time for chainsaws also has been lifted.

BLM fire officials said recent rains have improved fuel moistures and reduced fire dangers on the high desert lands in the region. They cautioned, however, that high fire dangers remain in many areas, and noted that fire restrictions remain in effect on the neighboring Lassen, Modoc and Plumas national forests, and on adjacent BLM public lands managed by the Redding and Winnemucca field offices.

Officials said that hunters and other back country visitors should check with the Forest Service or BLM office in the area they plan to visit to be sure about local fire restrictions.

-BLM-

Northern California Support Team
2950 Riverside Drive
Susanville,CA