BLM announces fire restrictions for NE California, NW Nevada public lands
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SUSANVILLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will implement restrictions on outdoor use of fire on public lands managed by the Eagle Lake and Applegate field offices in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Shasta and Siskiyou counties in California, and in Washoe County, Nevada. The restrictions go into effect Thursday, July 1, and will remain in place until further notice. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the BLM’s year-round California fire prevention order.
“These seasonal restrictions are important for protecting public lands and nearby communities from wildfire,” said BLM Northern California District Manager Dereck Wilson. “Our prolonged drought has led to dry vegetation and these conditions, combined with high temperatures and windy afternoons, are rapidly increasing fire danger. We need to minimize the potential for fire starts.”
The fire restrictions prohibit all campfires and use of barbecues except in the established fire rings or stoves at the North Eagle Lake, Ramhorn Springs, Pit River and Boulder Reservoir campgrounds, and in the Hobo Camp Day Use Area. Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed. Users must have a valid California campfire permit on BLM managed lands within California. Visitors should be extremely careful with their use. Wildland visitors should carry shovels, water and fire extinguishers.
California campfire permits are available free online at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/ or at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices.
Other restrictions include:
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated, developed recreation site, or other designated area.
- No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines off established roads or trails. Chainsaws equipped with spark arresters may be used until 1 p.m. daily.
- No possession or use of fireworks, including California fire marshal-approved “safe and sane” devices.
Target shooters may not use incendiary, tracer, steel core, armor-piercing, exploding or incendiary ammunition, or targets made of material that could explode or emit sparks.
The detailed fire restriction orders and other BLM fire restriction information can be viewed at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions.
BLM officials note that violations of fire restrictions are punishable by a fine up to $100,000 or up to 12 months in jail, or both. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred may be borne by the trespasser.
More information on preventing wildland fires is available at www.readyforwildfire.org.
Fire restrictions are also in place for neighboring BLM-managed public lands in northern California and Nevada and neighboring national forests. Visitors should check on fire restrictions in areas they plan to visit.
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.