Fire Conditions Ease: BLM Lifts Chain Saw Restrictions

Jeff Fontana
BLM Public Affairs Officer

With cool nights and shorter days helping to ease wildland fire dangers slightly, the Bureau of Land Management announced that beginning this Saturday, October 6th, firewood cutters can again use chain saws on public lands until 1:00p.m. daily.

This restriction, commonly known as “hootowl,” will be in effect on public lands managed by the BLM Northern California District in northeast California and far northwest Nevada, and will remain in place until rain reduces reduce fire dangers significantly.

“While we are again allowing chain saw use, wood cutters and other public land users need to be aware that forests and rangelands are critically dry,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Paul Whitcome. “Small sparks can still start large fires and people need to use extreme caution outdoors.”

The BLM stressed that other public land fire restrictions will remain in place until the rainy season begins.

Under these restrictions:

• Campfires are not allowed, except in designated, posted campgrounds and recreation sites. Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed outside of posted recreation sites, with a valid campfire permit.
• Target shooters may not use incendiary or steel-jacket ammunition, or any ammunition or target that explodes or emits sparks.
• Vehicles must remain on established roads and trails.
• Smoking is allowed only within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in designated, posted campgrounds and recreation sites.

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