BLM seasonal fire and target shooting restrictions are no longer in effect for California Desert District
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management seasonal fire restrictions are no longer in effect in the California Desert District, which means campfires and target shooting may now resume on BLM-managed public lands in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, southern Inyo, eastern Mono, San Diego and eastern Kern counties.
“Although the District seasonal fire restrictions have lifted, we continue to ask the public to practice safety when using fire or participating in recreational target shooting on public lands,” said BLM California Desert District Manager Shelly Lynch. “The BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires.”
Use of campfires, barbecues and gas stoves on BLM-managed public lands within the California Desert District are allowed with a valid California campfire permit. Campfire permits are required outside of developed campgrounds and are available free online at www.ReadyForWildfire.org and at BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices.
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. Check with your local BLM Field Office for more information on specific locations.
Year-round fire restrictions including the statewide Fire Prevention Order and the California Desert District Year-Round Fire Prevention Order, remain in place for all BLM-managed public lands in California. Year-round fire restrictions require a year-round campfire permit, maintaining a five-foot diameter clearance around campfires, guidance for extinguishing campfires on BLM-managed public lands in California and prohibit the possession and use of steel jacketed or steel core ammunition and all campfires and recreational target shooting during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch.
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution when using fire and to follow these precautions:
- Always have a five-foot circle cleared around your campfire.
- Always have a shovel and plenty of water on hand and put your campfire DEAD OUT, before leaving.
- Never use steel targets, steel jacketed or steel core ammunition for recreational shooting as they are more likely to cause a fire.
- Always park vehicles away from areas where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.
An interactive map and listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California, are available here. For alternative recreational target shooting locations, visit www.wheretoshoot.org. Additional information about wildfires is on Cal Fire’s website.
For more BLM information about wildfire prevention, please contact the California Desert District Office at 951-697-5200; Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000; El Centro Field Office at 760-337-4400; Needles Field Office at 760-326-7000; Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office at 760-833-7100; or Ridgecrest Field Office at 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.