The Bureau of Land Management’s Applegate and Eagle Lake Field Offices in northeast California are easing some fire restrictions on public lands, again allowing use of open-flame devices such as camp stoves and barbecues.
Other fire restrictions, such as a prohibition on all campfires, including in developed campgrounds and recreation sites, will remain in place until weather conditions reduce fire dangers.
Valid California campfire permits are required for use of stoves and other open-flame devices. They are available free online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit and at BLM, Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.
“Conditions are still dry, and the possibility of wildfires remains a concern,” said BLM Applegate Field Manager Craig Drake. “We are asking everyone to keep fire safety top of mind while out on the public lands.”
Details about current fire restrictions for each field office can be found on BLM’s website for the Applegate Field Office and Eagle Lake Field Office.
To help prevent the start and spread of wildland fires, the following fire restrictions remain in effect for all BLM-managed public lands in northern California:
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated, developed recreation site, or other designated area.
- No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines off established roads or trails. Chainsaws equipped with functioning spark arresters may be used for personal use firewood cutting until 1 p.m. daily.
- No possession or use of fireworks, including California Fire Marshal-approved “safe and sane” devices.
- Target shooters may not use incendiary, exploding, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition, or targets made of material that could explode or emit sparks. Target shooting will be allowed from a half-hour before sunrise until noon daily. Shooters must have shovels or fire extinguishers on hand.
Violations of fire restrictions are punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 or up to 12 months in jail, or both. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred may be borne by the trespasser.
