BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for public 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 the Arcata Field Office in Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties, beginning Friday, June 4. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the BLM-California year-round statewide fire prevention order.
“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. “Dry fuels and high temperatures have significantly increased fire danger, and we need to minimize the potential for fire starts. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts the likelihood for large fires will be above normal this summer due to prolonged drought conditions.”
The fire restrictions prohibit all 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 posted campgrounds and recreation sites, including the Lost Coast Trail, with a valid California campfire permit. Visitors should be extremely careful with liquid fuels and legal campfires.
Free California campfire permits are available online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/
and at BLM, 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 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 may be used for firewood cutting until 1 p.m. daily.
- No possession or use of fireworks, including California State Fire Marshal-labeled “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.
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.
Detailed information is available for the Arcata seasonal restrictions here and the BLM statewide order here. Information and helpful tips on preventing wildfire can be found at www.readyforwildfire.org.
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.