BLM lifts seasonal fire and target shooting restrictions in southern California

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has lifted seasonal fire restrictions on BLM-managed public lands in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, southern Inyo, eastern Mono, San Diego, and eastern Kern counties, effective October 30.

Visitors can use campfires, barbecues, and gas stoves on BLM-managed public lands with a valid California campfire permit. Campfire permits are required outside of developed campgrounds and are available for free at www.readyforwildfire.org, and at any BLM, Forest Service, and CAL FIRE office.

Year-round fire restrictions including the statewide Fire Prevention Order and the California Desert District Year-Round Fire Prevention Order, remain in place for all BLM-managed public lands in California. Year-round fire restrictions require a year-round campfire permit, maintaining a five-foot diameter clearance around campfires, guidance for extinguishing campfires, and prohibit the possession and use of steel jacketed or steel core ammunition.

During Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches, as determined by the National Weather Service, all recreational target shooting and use of campfires will be suspended to reduce the potential of unintended wildland fire ignitions. Check with your local BLM field office for more information on specific locations.

The public is reminded to use extreme caution when using fire and to follow these precautions:

• Always have a five-foot circle cleared around your campfire.
• Always have a shovel and plenty of water on hand and put your campfire dead out before leaving.
• Never use steel targets, steel jacketed, or steel core ammunition for recreational shooting as they are more likely to cause a fire.
• Always park vehicles away from areas where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.

Visit the California Fire Information and Fire Restrictions website for an interactive map and listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California. For alternative recreational target shooting locations visit WhereToShoot.org.

For more BLM information about wildfire prevention, please contact the California Desert District Office at 951-697-5200; Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000; El Centro Field Office at 760-337-4400; Needles Field Office at 760-326-7000; Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office at 760-833-7100; or Ridgecrest Field Office at 760-384-5400.