BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office will lift seasonal fire restrictions effective immediately on BLM-managed public lands in east central Fresno, west central Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo and Tulare counties, due to reduced wildland fire conditions. The easing of fire restrictions will allow campfires outside developed campgrounds at BLM-managed recreational areas, including the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Chimney Peak, Kennedy Meadows, Keysville, Lake Isabella, San Joaquin River Gorge and Three Rivers.
Fire restrictions will remain in effect on approximately 10,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, which neighbor Los Padres National Forest, until Jan. 1, 2022. Year-round statewide fire restrictions, issued on April 28, 2020, also remain in effect.
Outdoor enthusiasts should avoid BLM-managed public lands that have been burned in this year’s wildland fires. The public is advised that hazard trees, whose trunks may have been weakened by fire, can fall in any direction. While the ground may look flat, burned tree roots can give way causing holes. Burned soils are sensitive to erosion and the landscape will take time to heal.
Recreational shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Consider using paper targets to eliminate sparks. All shooters are required to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, can be held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs. The public plays a valuable role in wildland fire prevention, please Recreate Responsibly.
Shooting is strictly prohibited in developed recreation sites and other areas where posted. The following areas remain closed to target shooting: Carrizo Plain National Monument, San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area, Atwell Recreation Area and the Kaweah Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which includes Case Mountain.
The public can obtain a valid California campfire permit free at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices. To learn how you can do your part to prevent wildland fires, visit www.readyforwildfire.org. An interactive map and listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California is available at https://go.usa.gov/xmUEG. For specific questions, please contact the Bakersfield Field Office at 661-391-6000.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
