BLM Eases Seasonal Fire Restrictions in Central California
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management, in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, has eased fire restrictions, effective Monday Oct. 26, on public lands managed by the Bakersfield and Central Coast field offices. Fire restrictions were initiated on May 15 to curb the wildfire risk. Recreational target shooting and campfires are once again allowed on public lands with a valid campfire permit, unless otherwise posted.
The easing of fire restrictions applies to BLM-managed public lands in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, and Tulare counties. BLM-managed lands in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties will remain in fire restrictions until Jan. 1, 2027. Details about the easing of fire restrictions can be viewed in the Bakersfield Field Office rescinded fire prevention order and the Central Coast Field Office rescinded fire prevention order.
Motorized access is still restricted at the Panoche Hills Special Recreation Management Area in Fresno and San Benito counties. While allowing recreational activities by non-motorized access, the continued road restriction is required to protect the endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard population that lives on the Panoche Hills Plateau are part of a captive breeding program. Please review the closure order that restricts vehicle access at the Panoche Hills Special Recreation Management Area.
The public is reminded to remain cautious and practice good fire safety to help prevent wildfire such as keeping vehicles off dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves. California Campfire Permits are available free online or at BLM, USDA Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.
The statewide Fire Prevention Order remains in place for BLM-managed public lands in California. Recreational target shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Recreational target shooters are required to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. Visit the BLM’s recreational shooting website for more information on safe recreational target shooting.
The public can visit CAL FIRE’s website to learn how to prevent wildland fires. A map of current restrictions and active fire prevention orders are available online. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service.For specific questions, please contact the Bakersfield Field Office at (661) 391-6000, BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov, or the Central Coast Field Office at (831) 582-2200, BLM_CA_Web_CC@blm.gov.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.