BLM Issues Seasonal Fire Restrictions For Mother Lode And Ukiah Areas

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El Dorado, CA– The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced seasonal fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Mother Lode and Ukiah field offices, effective Wednesday, June 12, due to dry conditions and increased wildland fire danger. These restrictions are in addition to the year-round, statewide fire prevention order and will remain in effect until further notice. The affected BLM-managed public lands are in Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba counties.

“It has become necessary to implement additional fire restrictions as temperatures rise, leading to increasingly dry conditions in the district,” said Central California District Fire Management Officer Dave Brinsfield. “We ask that visitors follow these restrictions and do their part to help us minimize fire potential when visiting public lands.”

On average, human-caused wildfires account for 95 percent of all wildfires in California, often occurring near roadways, communities, and recreational areas, posing significant threats to public safety.  The following restrictions are in place until fire danger subsides:

• No campfires, briquette/charcoal barbecues, or stove fires are allowed outside of agency-provided fire rings or barbecues at designated developed recreation sites.
• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed campground with a three-foot diameter area clear of brush and flammable materials.
• No welding or operating acetylene or other torches with open flames.
• No motorized vehicles or tools powered by internal combustion engines off designated roads or trails.
• No target shooting; hot bullet fragments, exploding targets, and metal from recreational shooting can spark wildfires. Hunting is allowed with a valid California hunting license and in accordance with state regulations. Steel-jacketed, steel core, or incendiary ammunition of any caliber is prohibited.

Possessing, discharging, or using fireworks or pyrotechnic devices is always prohibited on BLM lands. A valid California Campfire Permit is required to operate a stove or fire, where allowed, on these public lands. Residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires by ensuring campfires are completely extinguished, maintaining proper tire pressure and vehicle upkeep, and using approved spark arrestors on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and chainsaws. The use of steel-core ammunition, although legal for hunting, can significantly increase the chance of wildfire if ricocheted off rocks. Violating a fire prevention order may result in fines up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months. Restitution for fire suppression and damage costs may also be required. More information can be found on the CAL FIRE website here.