BLM Initiates Stage III Fire Restrictions in the California Desert District
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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has initiated Stage III fire restrictions for BLM lands administered by the California Desert District.
Stage III restrictions state that setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fire of any kind is prohibited in the designated area. Controlled flame devices, such as portable stoves fueled by petroleum or LPG products, are allowed only by permit. Smoking is only permitted within enclosed vehicles or camp trailers. The possession or use of all fireworks, including "safe and sane," as well as the use of Chinese Lanterns, Floating Sky Lanterns, Fire Balloons or Acetylene Balloons is prohibited.
Due to hot and dry weather conditions with predicted red flag warnings, seasonal fire restrictions are necessary to prevent wildfires on public lands within the CDD. The 2016 Fire Restriction Order and a fire restriction area map can be viewed at:http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/fire/fire_restrictions.html
The BLM greatly appreciates the public's cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires. During this period of severe to extreme drought throughout California, we're asking the public to be very careful with fire. California is experiencing approximately 25 to 30 percent of normal precipitation. The moisture levels in living shrubs remains at critically low levels. Until rain and snow arrive, the fire danger remains at the very high to extreme level over much of southern California with burning indices and energy release components at or near record levels for this time of year. Under the current conditions, wildfires on our public lands have the potential to spread rapidly and become dangerously large and costly.
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution when using fire and exercise the following precautions:
1) Make sure you have a five-foot circle cleared around your campfire.
2) Be sure to have a shovel and plenty of water on hand and put the fire DEAD OUT before leaving.
3) Make sure cigarettes or cigars are put out when finished and disposed of properly.
4) Park motor vehicles away from locations where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.
For more information contact any of the following BLM offices: California Desert District Office (951) 697-5200, Barstow Field Office (760) 252-6000, El Centro Field Office (760) 337-4400, Needles Field Office (760) 326-7000, Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office (760) 833-7100 or Ridgecrest Field Office (760) 384-5400.
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.