BLM reduces fire restrictions within some areas of the California Desert District
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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management California Desert District initiated Stage III Fire Restrictions last spring for BLM-managed public lands within Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, Inyo, Kern and San Diego counties. As of Oct. 5, the District is reducing fire restrictions in select areas from Stage III fire restrictions to Stage I and II levels. This decision is being made due to the changing weather conditions.
As of Oct. 5, the following BLM-managed public lands within the California Desert District, listed below, shall be under Stage I restrictions, which means campfires, barbecues and gas stoves are allowed with a permit on all public lands within the District. Although smoking is allowed on such lands, be mindful of surroundings:
- All BLM-managed public lands in Mono, Inyo and Imperial counties.
- All BLM-managed public lands in Kern County, north of California Highway 58.
- All BLM-managed public lands in San Bernardino County, managed by Barstow Field Office and Needles Field Office.
All BLM-managed public lands in Riverside County, east of California Highway 62, within the California Desert District, shall be under Stage II restrictions, which means setting, building, maintaining, attending or using open fire of any kind is prohibited, except campfires within approved fire pits and grills provided for in developed recreation sites.
Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. Smoking is only permitted within an area that is clear of any vegetation, for a minimum of 5 feet in all directions.
The following BLM-managed public lands within the California Desert District will remain under the initial Stage III fire restrictions until enough moisture has been received this winter to significantly reduce wildfire threats:
- All BLM-managed public lands in San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties.
- All BLM-managed public lands in Kern County, south of California Highway 58.
- All BLM-managed public lands in Riverside County, west of California Highway 62.
- All BLM-managed public lands in San Bernardino County, managed by the Palm Springs Field Office.
A map of the fire restriction areas can be found at: www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=a330d77fe184408ab7c3b9a8035c37fb.
Restrictions for recreational target shooting within western Riverside and San Diego counties for public lands managed by the El Centro and Palm Springs-South Coast Field Offices remain in place.
For more information about BLM-California fire restrictions, visit: blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions.
The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive. For specific restriction guidance or clarification, contact the nearest field office by calling: 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.