Seasonal restrictions on the outdoor use of fire and firewood cutting begin tomorrow, August 8th, on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in northeast California and far northwest Nevada.
The restrictions apply to lands managed by the BLM’s Eagle Lake and Applegate field offices and the Surprise Field Station in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Shasta, Siskiyou and Washoe counties.
Chainsaw use will be allowed only until 1 p.m. daily.
Under the restrictions:
- Open fires are not allowed outside of posted, developed campgrounds and recreation sites, even with a campfire permit. Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, pressurized liquid fuel or jellied petroleum may be used outside of developed campgrounds and recreation areas. Campfire permits are required. Permits are available at BLM, Forest Service and Cal Fire offices.
- Smoking is not allowed except within enclosed vehicles or buildings.
- Motor vehicles must remain on established roads and trails. Internal combustion engines may not be used off of established roads and trails with the exception of chainsaws used in accordance with wood cutting permits, and only until 1:00p.m. daily.
- Target shooters may not use tracer, metal jacket, incendiary or exploding ammunition, or targets that explode or emit sparks.
- Possession or use of any fireworks is not allowed.
Fire officials urge woodcutters to cut firewood early in the day, to be sure that chainsaws have spark arresters and to have shovels and fire extinguishers handy.
Fire restrictions are already in place for neighboring public lands managed by the Redding and Carson City BLM offices, and for the Modoc, Plumas and Lassen national forests. Those who plan to recreate in the wildlands should check on current restrictions by contacting the nearest BLM or Forest Service Office.
