BLM Central Coast Field Office implements fire restrictions and limits target shooting
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MARINA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office is implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions on BLM-managed public lands in Fresno, Monterey and San Benito counties. Target shooting will also be temporarily limited to 30 minutes before sunrise until noon only starting May 25, due to potential fire danger.
As a reminder, the Panoche and Tumey Hills recreation areas are seasonally closed to motorized vehicles until mid-October. Also, campfires and target shooting are always prohibited at Fort Ord National Monument due to munitions hazards and public safety.
It is estimated that nearly 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are caused by humans. Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, are held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs. The public is advised to be extremely careful when recreating outdoors and do the following: carry a shovel and water at all times, and check weather forecasts and fire danger ratings before leaving home. The following restrictions/limitations are prohibited and will remain in place until fire dangers subside:
- No tools powered by internal combustion engines off established roads or trails (chainsaws or lawn mowers).
- No motorized vehicles off established roads or trails.
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
- No shooting using incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor piercing ammunition – hot bullet fragments and exploding targets from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Recreational target shooting is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise until noon only. Where authorized, firearm use for hunting is still allowed.
- No fireworks allowed, including “safe and sane” fireworks.
- No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except by special permit.
- No explosives, except by special permit.
Campfires and barbecues are allowed only in fire rings at designated campgrounds. However, the public is advised to clean 10 feet around the campfire. Portable stoves with gas, jellied petroleum or pressured liquid fuel are authorized with a valid California campfire permit, available at www.preventwildfireca.org/Permits.
The National Interagency Coordination Center predicts a hotter and drier year for central California with greater fire risk in tree mortality areas. For information on how to prevent wildfires, visit http://www.readyforwildfire.org/. For specific questions, please contact the Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200.
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.