For Immediate Release: August 31, 2004 CCal-04-54
Contact: Ken Hood/John Scull Phone 916-985-4474

Additional BLM Special Fire Restrictions

Because of extreme dry conditions, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has placed additional restrictions on public use of all BLM-managed public lands within the Folsom Field Office boundary. This includes BLM-managed public lands in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tuolumne, and Yuba Counties, a total of about 230,000 acres.

These additional fire restrictions will be effective immediately, and will remain in place until further notice. Included is a total ban on all open campfires--portable stoves are still allowed in developed campgrounds and day use areas only. Portable internal combustion engines (pumps, chainsaws, brush cutters, etc.) may now be operated only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., except for suction dredges located on a waterway. Permits for the use of explosives or welding equipment are suspended.

Earlier restrictions in effect include:

" A valid California campfire permit is required for all fires. Campfire permits are available free of charge at any BLM, Forest Service, or California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection office."
" Motor vehicles are restricted to designated roads and trails."
" No smoking, except inside an enclosed vehicle or designated fire-safe area."

The reason for the additional restrictions is the extraordinary dryness of vegetation. "Fuel moisture levels are lower than I've ever seen them at this time of year," said BLM Fire Management Officer Ken Hood. He urged campers and other outdoor users to be familiar with special limitations prior to visiting any public lands in these counties.

Violations are punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. For additional information contact BLM's Folsom Field Office at 916-985-4474.

-BLM-

Folsom Field Office - 63 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630
www.ca.blm.gov