BLM announces fire restrictions for NE California, NW Nevada public lands
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SUSANVILLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management on Monday, Aug. 1, will implement seasonal fire restrictions to prevent wildfire risk 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. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the BLM California fire prevention order and will remain in effect until further notice.
“These seasonal restrictions are important for protecting public lands and nearby communities from wildfire,” said Marilla Martin, assistant field manager in the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, Susanville. “Our prolonged drought has led to dry vegetation. 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, 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 outside of these areas. 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.
More information on preventing wildland fires is available at www.readyforwildfire.org. California campfire permits are available free at all BLM, CAL FIRE and US Forest Service offices and online here.
Seasonal fire 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 devices labelled “safe and sane.”
- 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. Hunting with a valid California hunting license and in accordance with hunting regulations continues to be permissible.
The public can find the Applegate Field Office fire restriction order or the Eagle Lake Field Office fire restriction order by clicking on the links within this sentence or by visiting the BLM California fire restrictions Web page.
BLM officials noted 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 violator. 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.