Bureau of Land Management eases Eastern Sierra seasonal fire restrictions
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BISHOP, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has eased seasonal fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Bishop Field Office in the Eastern Sierra effective immediately, due to cooler weather and more moderate wildland fire danger. The updated fire prevention order lifts the ban on open flames to allow for campfires only within developed campgrounds. Seasonal restrictions remain in effect until further notice, and are in addition to the year-round statewide fire prevention order, issued on April 28, 2020.
The BLM-managed public lands subject to these fire restrictions extend from the southern Owens Valley in Inyo County, north to Topaz Lake and the Nevada border in Mono County. These fire restrictions also apply to popular BLM-managed recreational areas in the region, including the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, Inyo Mountains Wilderness, Volcanic Tableland, Long Valley, Adobe Valley, Mono Basin, Bodie Hills, Bridgeport Valley and Slinkard Valley. BLM seasonal fire restrictions for the Eastern Sierra Region are being eased in close coordination with the Cal Fire San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit, the Inyo National Forest, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office.
The following restrictions will remain in place:
- No campfires, barbecues or open fires, except in a fire ring or fire pit specifically provided for such use in the following developed campgrounds: Tuttle Creek, Goodale Creek, Horton Creek, Crowley Lake and Pleasant Valley Pit. 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.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/. Campfires within developed recreation sites are not allowed during National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches.
- No operating or using any internal combustion engine off BLM designated roads or trails (such as chainsaws, generators or OHVs).
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer, or while stopped/standing in a designated developed campground with a three-foot diameter area barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- No fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks.
- Target shooters may not use incendiary, exploding, tracer, steel core, steel jacketed or armor piercing ammunition. No steel targets allowed – hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildland fire. Hunters actively engaged in the legal pursuit and take of game and non-game species must have a valid California hunting license and abide by California laws and regulations.
- No welding, operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or face 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. An interactive map and listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California is available at https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG. For specific questions, please contact the Bishop Field Office at 760-872-5000.
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.