Sonora, CA — With the cooler temperatures and damp weather reducing fire risk, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that visitors can resume certain activities like campfires outside of designated recreation sites.
The BLM initiated the seasonal restrictions on June 3, 2025, citing the dry vegetation, as reported here. The Central California BLM, which includes the Mother Lode office, has lifted the seasonal fire restrictions order for public lands it manages. Visitors can resume certain activities, but a valid California camping permit is still required for campfires and portable stoves. Click here to apply online or obtain permits at any BLM, Forest Service, or Cal Fire office.
Also removed are the hourly limitations on the use of internal combustion engines off roads and trails, as well as recreational target shooting. BLM officials noted, “During Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches, as decided by the National Weather Service, all recreational target shooting and campfire use will be prohibited to lessen the risk of unintentional wildland fire initiation.”
The public is advised to use extreme caution while utilizing fire and to take the following 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 or 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.
For an interactive BLM map and listing of fire restrictions throughout California, click here. BLM officials also stressed, “Even with the seasonal restrictions lifted, the year-round statewide fire prevention order remains in place for public lands managed by the BLM.”
For information about the termination of the BLM Fire Prevention Orders and wildfire prevention, call the Mother Lode Field Office at 916-941-3101.
