BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions in NE California, NW Nevada

SUSANVILLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is issuing seasonal fire restrictions effective today for public lands in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou and Shasta counties in California and Washoe County, Nevada, due to wildland fire danger. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the year-round, statewide fire prevention order.  The fire orders for Applegate and Eagle Lake field offices will remain in effect until further notice.

“Recognizing that most wildfires in California are human-caused and occur in close proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, these fire restrictions are an important way that we can help protect public lands and nearby communities from wildfire,” said Emily Ryan, manager of the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office in Susanville.

The fire restrictions prohibit campfires and barbecues except within established campfire rings and barbecue grills in these designated recreation sites: North Eagle Lake Campground, Hobo Camp Day Use Area, Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area, Dodge Reservoir Campground, Ramhorn Springs Campground, Rice Canyon OHV Area, Pit River Campground and Boulder Reservoir Campground.

Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used outside of developed recreation sites. In areas within California, users must have a valid California Campfire Permit, available online or at any BLM, Forest Service or CAL FIRE office.

Other fire restrictions include:

• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated, developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
• No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines may be used off established roads or trails. Chainsaws with functioning spark arresters can be used for personal firewood cutting until 1 p.m. daily.
• It is illegal year-round to possess or discharge fireworks including "safe and sane" devices on public lands.
• No target shooting with incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition, or using exploding targets.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or face imprisonment for not more than 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs may be borne by the trespasser.

Fire restrictions are also in place on adjacent many national forest lands and on BLM-managed lands in northwest Nevada.  The BLM advises checking on current fire restrictions at locations planned for visits.

Help prevent fires

Residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires.

• Make sure all campfires are dead out. Drown the fire ashes and stir around the fire area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. If it’s not cool, it is not out.
• Be sure to maintain proper tire pressure for all vehicles, ensure adequate tire tread, and check brakes for overheating. Do not drive or park on brush or grass. Do not drag chains while towing.
• Off road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws must have an approved spark arrestor.

More information about preventing wildland fires is available online. A listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California public lands is available on the fire restriction website. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service.