BLM lifts fire closures in California Desert District southern fire zone
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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. - Fire restrictions have been lifted for public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Desert District (CDD) in Kern, Inyo, Mono, western Riverside and eastern San Diego Counties and San Bernardino County north of Highways 18 and 138.
Due to increased relative humidity, higher fuel moisture, and a general improvement in predicted fire weather conditions and sufficient firefighting resources, fire closures are no longer necessary. The following year-round restrictions are still in effect and apply to all public lands within the CDD regardless of stage restrictions. They include:
Fireworks: The use or possession of fireworks, including “safe and sane” is hereby prohibited on all public lands of the CDD.
Firearms and ammunition: The possession or discharge of a firearm using incendiary, tracer, steel core, or armor piercing ammunition is hereby prohibited on all public lands of the CDD.
Burning: No person shall burn, ignite, or cause to burn any tire, petroleum product, wires, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive materials.
Spark arresters: All off-road vehicles being operated on public lands must be equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (C) and California Vehicle Code 38366 (a), or the 80% efficiency level standard determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAEs) recommended practices J335 or J350.
Campfire restrictions: Campfire permits are required on BLM managed lands within the CDD. Fuel controlled (on/off switch) portable cooking stoves also required a permit. When building a campfire the public must take precautions to contain the fire to a small area. Campfire permits can be obtained from any BLM office in California.
“The BLM greatly appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the potential for wildfires on BLM-managed lands,” said Beth Ransel, BLM California Desert District Manager. “It’s important to be very careful when using fire or involved in recreational shooting. Under the right conditions public lands still have potential for wildfires to spread rapidly and become dangerous.”
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.