BLM Temporarily Closes Fort Sage OHV Area to Protect Public from Wildfire

Organization

Bureau of Land Management, California

BLM Office:

Northern California District Office

Smoke and flames from a wildfire burn high in the sky near the Fort Sage Off-Highway Vehilce Area.  Photo by Pat Farris, BLM. DOYLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has temporarily closed the Fort Sage Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, near Doyle, to protect the public from wildfire.

“Our goal is to provide a safe environment for the public, firefighters, and other emergency responders,” said Emily Ryan, assistant field manager for the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office. “Public land users and nearby residents are urged to stay away from the fire area for their own safety.”

As of noon, Wednesday, July 12, the Long Valley Fire has burned an estimated 15,000 acres of grass and brush land. The blaze has also burned three structures. Evacuation orders, put in place Tuesday afternoon, have been lifted. Helicopters and air tankers have been assigned to assist fire engines and ground crews that are constructing fire lines.

Afternoon winds, high temperatures and dry fuels are challenging the firefighters and are causing the fire to spread, Ryan said.

Officials estimate that crews will contain the fire by Tuesday, July 18. The public can stay up-to-date on California wildfires by visiting Inciweb, at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, or by downloading CAL FIRE’s “Ready for Wildfire” app.


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.