BLM Fully Implements Fire Restrictions; Chainsaw Use Suspended

Use of chainsaws for firewood cutting on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in northeast California and far northwest Nevada is suspended effective Monday, Aug. 20, because of extreme fire dangers.

The chainsaw prohibition and other fire restrictions apply to BLM managed land in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Shasta, Siskiyou and Washoe counties.  Restrictions will remain in place until fire dangers decrease.

“Rangeland brush, grass and trees are at historically dry levels and any fire has the potential to spread rapidly.  We have to take every precaution to prevent new fire starts while we are facing these severe conditions,” said Ken Collum, manager of the BLM’s Eagle Lake Field Office.

Seasonal fire restrictions have been in place since Wednesday, Aug. 1.  Under the restrictions:

• Open fires are not allowed outside of posted, 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, Forest Service and CAL FIRE 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, metal jacket, incendiary or exploding ammunition or targets, or any targets that could emit sparks.

“We urge anyone recreating or working outdoors to pay attention to conditions and avoid any activity that could start a fire,” Collum said.  “Be careful when clearing brush, target shooting and driving in the backcountry.  Drivers towing trailers should be sure that safety chains are not dragging and creating sparks.”

Collum said the explosive growth of rangeland and forest fires in northern California demonstrates that fire dangers are at levels seldom seen in the region.

Northern California District   355 Hemsted Dr., Redding, CA 96002