MORENO VALLEY, Calif. - With the approaching Independence Day holiday, visitors to public lands are reminded that fire restrictions remain in effect and will most likely continue into the winter season throughout the California Desert District, due to wildland fire danger.
Fire officials estimate that nearly 90 percent of wildland fires impacting BLM-managed public lands in California over the last decade have been human caused. Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, may be held responsible for fire suppression and property damage costs.
The public is reminded of the following precautions:
1. Visitors are responsible for checking fire and target shooting restrictions before visiting public lands. All restriction information is available on the BLM California fire restrictions website at https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG.
2. The possession or use of all fireworks, including “safe and sane," floating sky lanterns, fire balloons or acetylene balloons, is prohibited year-round on all BLM-managed public lands, regardless of those within the city limits where “safe and sane" fireworks are allowed.
3. Where legal to have or use, please make sure campfires, cigarettes or cigars are put out when finished and disposed of properly.
4. Carry a shovel and water at all times, and check weather forecasts and fire danger conditions before leaving home.
5. Park motor vehicles away from locations where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.
6. The possession or use of any steel jacketed or steel core ammunition of any caliber is illegal on BLM-managed public lands year-round except when legally hunting.
7. One less spark means one less wildland fire. Learn more about preventing a wildland fire at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/. Free campfire permits are available online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/, and at BLM, Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.
For more information about wildfire prevention from the BLM, please contact: California Desert District Office 951-697-5200; Barstow Field Office, 760-252-6000; El Centro Field Office, 760-337-4400; Needles Field Office, 760-326-7000; Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, 760-833-7100; or Ridgecrest Field Office, 760-384-5400.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
