BLM urges public vigilance as fire restrictions protect southern California communities

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management would like to remind public land users that with the upcoming Independence Day holiday, Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect throughout the California Desert District. These restrictions apply to BLM-managed public lands in Imperial, southern Inyo, eastern Kern, Los Angeles, eastern Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.

Stage II restrictions prohibit setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fire of any kind and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer unless prohibited by state or local laws. Controlled flame devices, such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit.

The possession or use of all fireworks, floating sky lanterns, fire balloons, or acetylene balloons is prohibited year-round on all BLM-managed public lands in southern California regardless of stage restrictions. Visit the California Fire Information and Fire Restrictions website for a list of fire restrictions and fire orders throughout BLM California.

The BLM continues seasonal restrictions for recreational target shooting within San Diego, eastern Kern, western Riverside, western San Bernardino and eastern Los Angeles counties, that began on May 21 and ends on October 29, unless terminated sooner.

While enjoying and recreating on public lands, the BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation to help minimize human-caused wildfires by following these precautions:

• Always have a five-foot circle cleared around your campfire and have a California Campfire Permit.
• Always have a shovel and plenty of water on hand and put your campfire DEAD OUT, before leaving.
• Never use steel targets, steel jacketed, steel core or incendiary ammunition for recreational shooting.
• No campfires or recreational target shooting during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch. A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
• Park vehicles away from areas where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.
• Plan to mow yards or clear weeds early in the morning or on cooler days with no wind.

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.