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BLM lifts seasonal fire restrictions in central California

California
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Bishop Field Office
Yellow winter brush with a lake and snow covered mountain range in the background.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management has rescinded its seasonal fire restrictions order for public lands managed by BLM in central California.

With this change, visitors can resume certain activities like campfires outside of designated recreation sites. However, a valid California Campfire Permit, available at www.readyforwildfire.org, or at any BLM, Forest Service or Cal Fire office, is still required for campfires and portable stoves.

Hourly limits on use of internal combustion engines off roads and trails and on recreational target shooting also have been lifted.

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 exercise 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.  Even with the seasonal restrictions lifted, the year-round statewide fire prevention order remains in place for public lands managed by the BLM.

For more BLM information about the termination of the Fire Prevention Orders and wildfire prevention, please contact the Central California District Office at 661-391-6000;  Bakersfield Field Office at 661-391-6000;  Bishop Field Office at 760-872-5000;  Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200;  Mother Lode Field Office at 916-941-3101; Ukiah Field Office at 707-468-4000.

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.