The Bureau of Land Management has announced seasonal fire restrictions, effective yesterday, for BLM-managed public lands within Lassen, Plumas, Modoc, Sierra, Siskiyou, and Shasta counties in California, as well as Washoe County, Nevada.
These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the year-round, statewide fire prevention order. Issued for the Applegate and Eagle Lake field offices, these fire orders are in place to help prevent wildfires and will remain in effect until further notice.
Under these restrictions, campfires and barbecues are prohibited except within established campfire rings and barbecue grills in the following designated recreation sites:
- North Eagle Lake Campground
- Hobo Camp Day Use Area
- Fort Sage Off-Highway Vehicle Area
- Dodge Reservoir Campground
- Ramhorn Springs Campground
- Rice Canyon OHV Area
- Pit River Campground
- Boulder Reservoir Campground
Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel may be used outside of developed recreation sites. However, in areas within California, users must possess a valid California Campfire Permit, which is available online or at any BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or CAL FIRE office.
Other seasonal fire restrictions now in effect include:
- Smoking: No smoking is allowed, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a designated, developed recreation site, or in other designated areas.
- Off-Road Vehicle Use & Chainsaws: No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines may be used off established roads or trails. Chainsaws with functioning spark arresters may be used for personal firewood cutting, but only until 1:00p.m. daily.
- Fireworks: It remains illegal year-round to possess or discharge any fireworks, including “safe and sane” devices, on public lands.
- Target Shooting: Target shooting with incendiary, tracer, steel core, or armor-piercing ammunition, as well as the use of exploding targets, is strictly prohibited.
Violations of these fire prevention orders carry strict penalties. Anyone found guilty may face a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months. Additionally, the responsible party will bear the restitution for all fire suppression and damage costs incurred.
Fire restrictions are also in place on many adjacent national forest lands and on BLM-managed lands in northwest Nevada. The BLM strongly advises checking on current fire restrictions at all locations planned for visits.
Help Prevent Fires
Residents and visitors are reminded to do their part in preventing human-caused wildfires:
- Extinguish Campfires Completely: Make sure all campfires are “dead out.” Drown the fire ashes with water and stir around the fire area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. Remember: if it is not cool to the touch, it is not out.
- Vehicle Safety: Ensure proper tire pressure and adequate tire tread on all vehicles, and check brakes to prevent overheating. Never drive or park on dry brush or grass, and ensure no towing chains are dragging on the pavement.
- Spark Arresters: All off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and chainsaws must have an approved, functioning spark arrester.
More information about preventing wildland fires is available online. A comprehensive list of fire restrictions throughout BLM California public lands can be found on the California Fire Information and Fire Restrictions website. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service.
