BISHOP, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service are implementing fire restrictions effective Friday, July 1, for all public lands managed by the BLM Bishop Field Office and the Inyo National Forest, except for wilderness areas outlined below.
"We've looked at the fuel (vegetation) moisture and other fire dangers and determined it’s time for fire restrictions," said Inyo National Forest Supervisor Ed Armenta. "Record high temperatures and drying conditions in the past several weeks have led to more fire activity throughout the Eastern Sierra and California."
"This year's late season rain and snow produced a substantial grass crop to feed fires," said Steve Nelson, field manager of BLM's Bishop Field Office. "The precipitation this winter was a welcome change, but it was not enough to take the edge off the drought and the potential for a severe fire season."
Beginning July 1 at midnight and until further notice, the following restrictions will be in effect:
* No campfires, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of designated developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas. A list of designated campgrounds and recreation sites is available at visitor centers, and on the website,http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd507554.pdf.
* Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at visitor center or online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit) are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
* No fireworks. It is prohibited to possess or discharge any fireworks.
No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
Most Inyo National Forest Wilderness Areas are exempt from this order, including Hoover, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Boundary Peak, White Mountains, Golden Trout, and South Sierra wildernesses. Resorts, pack stations, recreation residences and other sites operated under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service or BLM may be exempt from the special orders, as long as any fire activity is conducted in compliance with their permit.
Residents and visitors are reminded that fireworks, even "safe and sane" are not allowed at any time on public lands.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
