Emergency Fire Restrictions Lifted On Public Lands

Sonora, CA — Emergency fire restrictions have been lifted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Mother Lode Field Office.

The move also reopened target shooting on public lands in 12 central California counties, including Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne began on Monday. As reported here, in July due to high fire danger the practice was suspended. Seasonal fire restrictions limiting all campfires and barbecues to fire rings in designated campgrounds was implemented in June.

The easing of fire restrictions apply to nearly 230,000-acres of public land managed by the field office. BLM officials remind outdoor enthusiasts of these safety tips when recreating on public lands to prevent wildfire:

• Do not drive a vehicle onto dry grass or brush
• Carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and bucket of water
• Get a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves.

A note for target shooters, hot bullet fragments and exploding targets from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire, according to BLM officials that add shooters are responsible for fires started by this activity.