For Release: September 29, 2005
Contact: Doran Sanchez (951) 697-5220; E-mail: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-05-93

BLM Lifts Stage II Fire Restrictions

Effective October 1, the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) California Desert District (CDD) will lift the Stage II fire restrictions on all BLM-managed public lands within southern California.

The Stage I fire restrictions, which will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2005 fire season, allow open campfires and barbecues under permit from the BLM outside of established campgrounds on all public lands within the CDD. Campfire permits can be obtained at all BLM offices, fire stations, and patrol personnel.

BLM re-evaluated fire conditions and determined it would be appropriate to revert back to Stage I fire restrictions as a result of the cooler fall weather patterns and a significant reduction in fire occurrences during the past month. BLM implemented the Stage II fire restrictions in June as a result of the extreme wildfire conditions that existed throughout southern California.

"We want to thank the general public for recognizing the extreme fire hazards BLM was facing this year and adhering to the Stage II fire restrictions during the summer," said Linda Hansen, California Desert District manager. "We also encourage the public to maintain their safety awareness while enjoying their public lands."

For more information or to obtain a permit contact the BLM's California Desert District office at (951) 697-5220 or local field offices in Barstow (760) 252-6000, El Centro (760) 337-4400, Needles (760) 326-7000, Palm Springs-South Coast (760) 251-4800 or Ridgecrest (760) 384-5400.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office - 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, California - (951) 697-5220