Fire Restrictions Begin Aug. 14 on Northeast California Public Lands

 Seasonal restrictions on outdoor use of fire and firewood cutting begin Friday, Aug. 14, on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in northeast California and far northwest Nevada.

 The restrictions apply to public lands managed by the BLM Alturas, Eagle Lake and Surprise field offices in Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, Shasta, Siskiyou, and Washoe counties. 
 Use of chainsaws for woodcutting will be allowed until 1 p.m. daily.
 Under the restrictions:

• Open fires are not allowed outside of designated, developed campgrounds and recreation sites, even with a campfire permit.  Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, pressurized liquid fuel or jellied petroleum may be used outside of developed recreation sites, but a campfire permit, available at all BLM and Forest Service offices, is required.
• Smoking is not allowed, except within developed recreation sites, inside buildings or in enclosed vehicles.
• Motor vehicles must remain on established roads and trails.
• Target shooters may not use tracer, steel jacket, incendiary or exploding ammunition or any target that emits sparks or explodes.

Fire restrictions are already in place for the Lassen and Plumas national forests, and for public lands managed by the BLM’s Redding and Carson City field offices.  Those who plan to recreate in the wildlands should contact a BLM or Forest Service office to determine which fire restrictions are in effect.

Permits for outdoor burning, such as debris piles, have been suspended since July 1.  Burning will again be allowed when fire dangers ease.