BLM lifts seasonal fire restrictions in the California Desert District

Organization

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

California Desert District Office

Media Contact:

Michelle Van Der Linden
Desert mountains capped with snow.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The California Desert District has lifted seasonal fire restrictions, effective immediately, to allow campfires and target shooting on BLM-managed public lands in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, southern Inyo, eastern Mono, San Diego, and eastern Kern counties.

“Even though fire restrictions have been reduced for the California Desert District, fire safety is still our biggest priority,” said BLM California Desert Acting District Manager Greg Miller. “The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive. It’s important to be very careful when using fire or participating in recreational target shooting on public lands. Under the right conditions, wildfires can start easily, spread rapidly, and become dangerous quickly.”

Easing of fire restrictions means that campfires, barbecues, and gas stoves are allowed with a valid California campfire permit. Campfire permits are required outside of developed campgrounds. They are available free online at www.ReadyForWildfire.org and at BLM, Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.

Restrictions on smoking and recreational target shooting also have been lifted, and shooting is allowed if utilizing ammunition other than steel jacketed or steel core, unless there is a Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch for the area. Check with the local Field Office for more information on specific locations.

During Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches, as determined by the National Weather Service, all recreational target shooting and use of campfires will be suspended to reduce the potential of unintended wildland fire ignitions. Year-round fire restrictions remain in place for all BLM-managed public lands in California. Details on the year-round restrictions are available here.

The BLM greatly appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires. The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution when using fire and to follow these precautions:

  • Make sure to have a five-foot circle cleared around a campfire.
  • Have a shovel and plenty of water on hand and put the fire DEAD OUT before leaving. 
  • Recreational target shooters are encouraged to carry a fire extinguisher and avoid shooting at steel targets. 
  • Park motor vehicles away from locations where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.

An interactive map, listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California and a copy of the fire order, are available at https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG. For alternative recreational target shooting locations visit www.wheretoshoot.org. You can also find additional information about wildfires on CAL FIRE’s website at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/One-Less-Spark-Campaign/.

For more information about wildfire prevention from the BLM, please contact: 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.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred may be borne by the trespasser.


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.