The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced seasonal fire restrictions, including temporary limitations on target shooting, effective today. The restrictions are for public lands managed by the Central Coast, Mother Lode and Ukiah field offices due to dry conditions and wildland fire danger. These seasonal restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
Human-caused wildfires make up 95% of all wildfires in California. Records show recreational target shooting has sparked more than half the wildland fires within some field office boundaries in the last decade. Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildfire risk while recreating on public lands, around homes and communities, before a fire occurs, can help keep property, the public and wildland firefighters safe.
An increase in wildfire severity is expected this year, based on forecasted climate scenarios, as well as an expansion of wildfire season over much of the western United States.
The following restrictions will remain in place until the fire danger subsides:
- No campfires, barbecues or open fires, except in a developed campground. 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 https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/.
- No target shooting – hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Use of firearms for hunting is still allowed. Hunters must abide by state of California laws and regulations. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations. No motorized vehicles off BLM designated roads or trails.
- No tools powered by internal combustion engines off BLM designated roads or trails (such as chainsaws or lawn mowers).
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
- No welding or 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 imprisonment for up to12 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. A listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California is available at https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG.
