BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for lands managed by Arcata Field Office
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ARCATA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will implement fire restrictions for public lands managed by its Arcata Field Office in Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties, beginning Tuesday, June 21. The restrictions will be in place to help prevent wildfire and will remain in effect until further notice. Seasonal fire restrictions are in addition to the BLM year-round statewide fire prevention order and will remain in effect until further notice.
“Recognizing that most wildfires in California are human-caused, these fire restrictions are an important way that we can help protect public lands and nearby communities from wildfire,” said BLM Northern California District Manager Dereck Wilson. “The National Interagency Fire Center predicts the likelihood for large fires will be above normal this summer due to prolonged drought conditions, and it is critical that we do all we can to prevent wildfires.”
Fire restrictions in the Arcata Field Office fire order include no campfires and barbecues, except within established campfire rings and barbecue grills in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed outside of these campgrounds and recreation sites, including the Lost Coast Trail, with a valid California campfire permit. Visitors should be extremely careful with campfires. Free campfire permits are available online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/ and at BLM, Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.
Other fire restrictions include:
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated, developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
- No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines off established roads or trails. There is an exception for the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area and the wave slope of the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, South Spit, Humboldt Bay. Chainsaws equipped with functional spark arresters may be used for firewood cutting until 1 p.m. daily.
- No possession or use of fireworks, including “safe and sane” devices. There is an exemption in place for July 4 only at the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area near Eureka.
- No target shooting with incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition, or using exploding targets. Target shooting is allowed only from a half-hour before sunrise to noon daily. Target shooters must have a shovel or fire extinguisher on hand.
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 may be borne by the trespasser.
To learn more about how the public can assist in preventing wildland fires, visit www.readyforwildfire.org. A listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California public lands is available on the fire restriction website.
For more information, telephone the Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300.
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.