Fire Restrictions Ordered

Sonora, CA – Fire restrictions have been re-implemented by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on public lands managed by the Mother Lode Field Office. That includes lands in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. BLM officials say the restrictions are needed due to the unseasonably dry conditions and fire danger throughout Central California.

BLM Fire Management Officer Jerry Martinez says, “A wildfire under these conditions could pose a serious threat to public land visitors and resources, and adjacent private lands and communities.”

Under the restrictions, all campfires and barbeques are limited to designated campgrounds. You must have a valid California campfire permit in order to use portable stoves with gas, jellied petroleum or pressured liquid fuel. They advise the public to always keep a shovel and water handy when using their stove.

Other restrictions released by the BLM include:

• Do not operate tools powered by internal combustion engines off established roads or trails.
• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
• No motorized vehicles off established roads or trails.
• No shooting using incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor piercing ammunition.
• No fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks.

The fire ban will run until further notice.