BLM Ukiah Field Office initiates seasonal fire restrictions
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UKIAH, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is issuing seasonal fire restrictions, effective June 29, for public lands managed by the Ukiah Field Office, due to dry conditions and wildland fire danger. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the year-round statewide fire prevention order, issued on April 28, and will remain in effect until further notice.
The BLM-managed public lands affected by these fire restrictions are located in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties. Popular recreation areas affected by fire restrictions are Cow Mountain Recreation Area and Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, which includes the Cache Creek Wilderness, Indian Valley Management Area and Knoxville Recreation Area.
On average, human-caused wildfires make up 95 percent of all wildfires in California. Many of these wildfires occur close in proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing considerable threat to public safety. Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildfire risk, while recreating on public lands, around homes and communities, before a fire occurs can help keep property, the public and firefighters safe.
An increase in wildfire severity is expected based on forecasted climate scenarios, as well as an expansion of wildfire season over much of the western United States. The following restrictions will remain in place until the fire danger subsides:
- No campfires, barbecues or open fires, except in a developed campground. Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid California campfire permit available free at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices, or at www.preventwildfireca.org/Permits.
- No target shooting – hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Use of firearms for hunting is still allowed. Hunters must abide by state of California laws and regulations. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations.
- No motorized vehicles off BLM designated roads or trails.
- No tools powered by internal combustion engines off BLM designated roads or trails (such as chainsaws or lawn mowers).
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
- No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- No explosives.
Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred may be borne by the trespasser.
To learn how you can do your part to prevent wildland fires visit www.readyforwildfire.org. A listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California, along with an interactive map, are available at https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG. For specific questions, please contact the Ukiah Field Office at 707-468-4000.
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.