The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has elevated seasonal fire restrictions for the BLM California Desert District managed public lands within San Bernardino and surrounding counties These restrictions will remain in effect until December 31, unless terminated sooner if conditions warrant. The seasonal Fire Prevention Order places stage I and II fire restrictions for the California Desert District, and the elevated restrictions address the use of campfires, controlled flame devices, and smoking on public lands. The order also prohibits recreational target shooting on BLM-managed public lands within western San Bernardino and other surrounding areas. Reporter Cassidy Taylor has more on the seasonal restrictions…
These seasonal fire restrictions and recreational shooting restrictions, based on weather and vegetation conditions, are designed to help minimize the risk of human-caused wildfires. The recreational shooting restrictions do not impact licensed hunting. In addition to ensuring that you have a campfire permit, the BLM reminds you to follow these precautions:
- Always have a five-foot circle cleared around your campfire.
- Always have a shovel and plenty of water on hand and put your campfire DEAD OUT, before leaving.
- Never use steel targets, steel jacketed or steel core ammunition for recreational shooting as they are more likely to cause a fire.
- Always park vehicles away from areas where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.
Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a fine up to $100,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
http://www.readyforwildfire.org/One-Less-Spark-Campaign/.
For more information about wildfire prevention from the BLM, contact the California Desert District Office 951-697-5200;
- Barstow Field Office, 760-252-6000;
- El Centro Field Office, 760-337-4400;
- Needles Field Office, 760-326-7000;
- Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, 760-833-7100; or
- Ridgecrest Field Office, 760-384-5400.
California Campfire Permits are available at: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/
Maps of current restrictions are available at:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=a330d77fe184408ab7c3b9a8035c37fb
Fire Prevention Orders are available at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions
Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service at: https://www.weather.gov/fire/
