For Immediate Release: August 22, 2005 CCal-05-80
Contact: Ken Hood/John Scull Phone 916-985-4474

BLM Special Fire Restrictions in Effect

Due to extreme dry conditions, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing fire restrictions on all public lands managed by the BLM Folsom Field Office in Nevada, Yuba, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Sacramento, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, Sutter, and Mariposa Counties. The fire restrictions are effective Monday, Aug. 22, and remain in effect until further notice.

According to Fire Management Officer Ken Hood, the elevated fire danger level came six weeks earlier than expected. "Campers are urged to be familiar with special limitations prior to visiting any public lands in these counties," said Hood.

Under the restrictions, campfires are allowed only within fire rings in developed campgrounds and recreation sites and only with a valid California campground permit. Campfire permits are available free of charge at any BLM, Forest Service, or CDF Office. No open fires are allowed outside a developed recreation site or designated fire-safe area. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed outside of developed campgrounds, but still require fire permit..

Internal combustion engines and motor vehicles are to be used only on established roads and trails. Under the restrictions, smoking is allowed only inside an enclosed vehicle or designated fire-safe area. Welding or use of any torch with an open flame is not allowed except by special permit.

The use of fireworks is banned on BLM-managed land. The use of explosives is also prohibited, except by special permit.

Violations are punishable by fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or a combination of both.

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