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BLM Central Coast Field Office increases fire restrictions and further limits target shooting

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Bureau of Land Management, California

BLM Office:

Central Coast Field Office

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An image of the Panoche Valley. Photo courtesy of the BLM.MARINA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office is increasing fire restrictions to Stage 2, effective Aug. 1, on BLM-managed public lands in Fresno, Monterey and San Benito counties, due to high fire danger.

Stage 2 temporarily prohibits all recreational target shooting and bans campfires, barbecues or open fires, including in a developed campground. Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are still authorized with a valid California campfire permit, which is available for free at all BLM, CAL FIRE and Forest Service offices and at www.preventwildfireca.org/Permits. 

Also, campfires and target shooting are always prohibited at Fort Ord National Monument due to munitions hazards and public safety.

Central California is already experiencing an active wildland fire year with low relative humidity, erratic winds and above normal temperatures. It is estimated that nearly 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are caused by humans. For the last decade, BLM records show that target shooting is the leading cause of fire starts on public lands managed by the Central Coast Field Office. Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, may be held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs. 

The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive. The public is advised to be extremely careful when recreating outdoors and do the following: carry a shovel and water at all times, and check weather forecasts and fire danger ratings before leaving home. The following restrictions will remain in place until fire dangers subside:

  • No campfires, barbecues or open fires, including in a developed campground. Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are still authorized with a valid California campfire permit.
  • No tools powered by internal combustion engines off established roads or trails (chainsaws or lawn mowers).
  • No motorized vehicles off established roads or trails.
  • No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
  • No target shooting – hot bullet fragments and exploding targets from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire.  Use of firearms for hunting is still allowed. 
  • No fireworks allowed, including “safe and sane” fireworks.
  • No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except by special permit.
  • No explosives, except by special permit.

For information on how to prevent wildfires, visit http://www.readyforwildfire.org/. For a current listing of fire restrictions on BLM California managed public lands, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions. For specific questions, please contact the Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200.

The BLM manages more than 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.

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