BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for lands managed by Redding Field Office
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REDDING, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will implement fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Redding Field Office in Shasta, Siskiyou, Butte, Trinity and Tehama counties, beginning Wednesday, June 15. Seasonal fire restrictions are in addition to the BLM year-round statewide fire prevention order and will remain in effect until further notice.
On average, human-caused wildfires make up 95 percent of all wildfires in California. “These seasonal restrictions on fire use are designed to help protect public lands and nearby communities from wildfire,” said BLM Redding Field Manager Jennifer Mata. “There is potential for a very active fire season this year, and we must take all precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires.”
Fire restrictions in the fire order include no campfires and barbecues, except in the Junction City, Steel Bridge, and Douglas City campgrounds in Trinity County, and in the Shasta and Bohemotash campgrounds within the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area. Campfires are prohibited in the Forks of Butte primitive campground in Butte County.
Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed outside of these posted campgrounds and recreation sites with a valid California campfire permit. Where allowed, visitors should be extremely careful with campfire use. Free campfire permits are available online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/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 area.
- No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines off established roads or trails. Chainsaws equipped with functioning spark arresters may be used for personal-use firewood cutting until 1 p.m. daily.
- No possession or use of fireworks, including “safe and sane” devices.
Target shooters may not use incendiary, exploding, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition, or targets made of material that could explode or emit sparks. Target shooting will be allowed from a half-hour before sunrise until noon daily. Shooters must have shovels or fire extinguishers on hand.
BLM officials noted that violations of fire restrictions are punishable by a fine up to $100,000, 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 Redding Field Office at 530-224-2100.
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.