California Fire Information and Fire Restrictions
Current Fire Restrictions
The statewide, year-round fire restrictions remain in effect. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge Campfire Permit - Ready for Wildfire.
Target shooting and other fire restrictions remain in effect for some areas of BLM-managed public lands in California. Find specific restrictions by field office below. Restrictions on target shooting do not prevent hunting with a valid hunting license, as hunting on BLM public lands is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Please visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/hunting for more information.
The restrictions below include campfire safety measures issued in 2026 with a Statewide Fire Order and a California Desert District order (en español) and will remain in place until 2030.
Northern California District
- Applegate Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
The Fire Prevention Order addresses wildfire safety measures for use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds and complements state and local wildfire prevention laws, regulations and activities. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/.
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- Arcata Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
The Fire Prevention Order addresses wildfire safety measures for use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds and complements state and local wildfire prevention laws, regulations and activities. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/.
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- Eagle Lake Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
The Fire Prevention Order addresses wildfire safety measures for use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds and complements state and local wildfire prevention laws, regulations and activities. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/.
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- Redding Field Office
Current restrictions in place:
The Fire Prevention Order addresses wildfire safety measures for use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds and complements state and local wildfire prevention laws, regulations and activities. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/.
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
Central California District
- Bakersfield Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
The Fire Prevention Order addresses wildfire safety measures for use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds and complements state and local wildfire prevention laws, regulations and activities. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- No Campfires or wood/briquette/charcoal barbeques are allowed. Pressurized gas-powered stoves/grills are allowed only with a valid California Campfire Permit.
- No Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter barren of all flammable materials.
- No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- No motorized vehicles or tools powered by internal combustion engines off designated roads or trails.
- No use of any steel-jacketed, steel core or incendiary ammunition of any caliber, except with a state of California hunting license and in accordance with California hunting regulations.
Possessing, discharging or using fireworks or pyrotechnic devices are prohibited across Bureau of Land Management lands. Additionally, a valid California Campfire Permit is required to operate a stove or fire on these public lands.
HELP PREVENT FIRES
- Residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires:
- Make sure all campfires are completely extinguished. Drown the fire and stir around the area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. If it's not cool to touch, it's not out.
- Maintain proper tire pressure, ensure adequate tire tread and check brakes for overheating. Do not drive or park on brush or grass. Do not drag chains while towing.
- Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.
- Steel-core ammunition, although legal while hunting, can greatly increase the chance of wildfire if it ricochets off rocks or other hard surfaces.
- Maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- Have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- Possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/.
Read more about fire restrictions:
- Bishop Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
The Fire Prevention Order addresses wildfire safety measures for use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds and complements state and local wildfire prevention laws, regulations and activities. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/.
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- Central Coast Field Office
Current restrictions in place:
The Fire Prevention Order addresses wildfire safety measures for use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds and complements state and local wildfire prevention laws, regulations and activities. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- No target shooting, hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Hunting in the pursuit of game and non-game species is allowed with a state of California hunting license and in accordance with California hunting regulations. The use of any steel-jacked, steel core or incendiary ammunition of any caliber is prohibited. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations.
- No Campfires, briquette/charcoal barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of agency-provided fire rings or barbeques at designated developed recreation sites.
- No Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed campground with a three-foot diameter area clear of brush and all flammable materials.
- No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- No motorized vehicles or tools powered by internal combustion engines off designated roads or trails.
Possessing, discharging or using fireworks or pyrotechnic devices is prohibited on Bureau of Land Management lands. Additionally, a valid California Campfire Permit is required to operate a stove or fire on these public lands.
HELP PREVENT FIRES
- Residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires:
- Make sure all campfires are completely extinguished. Drown the fire and stir around the area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. If it's not cool to the touch, it's not out.
- Maintain proper tire pressure, ensure adequate tire tread and check brakes for overheating. Do not drive or park on brush or grass. Do not drag chains while towing.
- Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.
- Steel-core ammunition, although legal while hunting, can greatly increase the chance of wildfire if it ricochets off rocks or other hard surfaces.
Read more about fire restrictions:
- Mother Lode Field Office
Some recreation areas have year-round fire restrictions, such as the South Yuba Recreation Area, which is managed by the Mother Lode Field Office. Visit https://www.blm.gov/visit/south-yuba-river for more information.
Current Restrictions in Place
The Fire Prevention Order addresses wildfire safety measures for use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds and complements state and local wildfire prevention laws, regulations and activities. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/.
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- Ukiah Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
The Fire Prevention Order addresses wildfire safety measures for use of campfires outside of developed campgrounds and complements state and local wildfire prevention laws, regulations and activities. Under this order, the public is required to follow these criteria before building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, outside of a developed campground:
- maintain a five-foot diameter area cleared to bare soil and free of any overhead flammable materials in all directions around the campfire,
- have on hand a functioning round-point shovel, with an overall length of at least 35 inches, that can be easily accessed within a reasonable amount of time in response to a fire ignition,
- possess a valid California Campfire Permit, available free of charge https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/.
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
California Desert District
- Barstow Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
Stage I areas:
- Campfires only in approved fire pits/grills at developed sites — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or in a 3-foot cleared area away from buildings
- No campfires or recreational target shooting during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch.
Stage II areas (roughly south/west of Hwys 58, 14, 138, 18, 247, 62, I-10, 111, 86, and all San Diego County BLM lands):
- No open fires of any kind
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer
- No recreational target shooting unless actively hunting with a valid California hunting license
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for southern California (April 2026)
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- BLM California Desert District year-round restrictions (en español) (February 2026)
- El Centro Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
Stage I areas:
- Campfires only in approved fire pits/grills at developed sites — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or in a 3-foot cleared area away from buildings
- No campfires or recreational target shooting during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch.
Stage II areas (roughly south/west of Hwys 58, 14, 138, 18, 247, 62, I-10, 111, 86, and all San Diego County BLM lands):
- No open fires of any kind
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer
- No recreational target shooting unless actively hunting with a valid California hunting license
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for southern California (April 2026)
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- BLM California Desert District year-round restrictions (en español) (February 2026)
- Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
Stage I areas:
- Campfires only in approved fire pits/grills at developed sites — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or in a 3-foot cleared area away from buildings
- No campfires or recreational target shooting during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch
Stage II areas (roughly south/west of Hwys 58, 14, 138, 18, 247, 62, I-10, 111, 86, and all San Diego County BLM lands):
- No open fires of any kind
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer
- No recreational target shooting unless actively hunting with a valid California hunting license
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for southern California (April 2026)
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- BLM California Desert District year-round restrictions (en español) (February 2026)
- Needles Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
Stage I areas:
- Campfires only in approved fire pits/grills at developed sites — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or in a 3-foot cleared area away from buildings
- No campfires or recreational target shooting during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch
Stage II areas (roughly south/west of Hwys 58, 14, 138, 18, 247, 62, I-10, 111, 86, and all San Diego County BLM lands):
- No open fires of any kind
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer
- No recreational target shooting unless actively hunting with a valid California hunting license
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for southern California (April 2026)
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- BLM California Desert District year-round restrictions (en español) (February 2026)
- Ridgecrest Field Office
Current Restrictions in Place
Stage I areas:
- Campfires only in approved fire pits/grills at developed sites — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or in a 3-foot cleared area away from buildings
- No campfires or recreational target shooting during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch
Stage II areas (roughly south/west of Hwys 58, 14, 138, 18, 247, 62, I-10, 111, 86, and all San Diego County BLM lands):
- No open fires of any kind
- Portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves allowed — valid California Campfire Permit required
- Smoking only inside an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer
- No recreational target shooting unless actively hunting with a valid California hunting license
Read more about fire restrictions:
- BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions for southern California (April 2026)
- BLM California statewide, year-round restrictions (February 2026)
- BLM California Desert District year-round restrictions (en español) (February 2026)
Campfire Permit
