News Release

For Release:  June 18, 2008              
Contact:  Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-08-72

BLM Sets Fire Restrictions on Northwest California Public Lands

With the arrival of warm summer temperatures and higher wildfire risks, the U. S. Bureau of Land Management has announced that fire restrictions will go into effect Monday, June 23.

Fire prevention orders, which limit campfires, firewood cutting and off-road motor vehicle use, affect land managed by the BLM Arcata Field Office in Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and Mendocino counties.
 
Fire restrictions went into effect earlier for public lands managed by the BLM’s Redding and Ukiah field offices.

Under the fire restrictions, campfires and charcoal barbecues may be used only within fire rings or stoves in developed recreation sites, posted campsites or campgrounds.  Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are exempt, but require a campfire permit.  Restrictions also prohibit campfires along the Lost Coast Trail in Humboldt County and at all backcountry campsites in the King Range National Conservation Area.

Internal combustion engines, including chainsaws and motor vehicles, may be used only on established roads and trails. Smoking is allowed only within enclosed vehicles, inside buildings, or within developed recreation sites.

Possession and use of fireworks, including state fire marshal-approved devices, are prohibited on BLM-managed lands.  Exemptions allow for use of California state fire marshal-approved fireworks on the Mattole Campground Beach, Black Sands Beach and at Samoa Dunes Recreation Area only on
July 4, 2008.

In addition to restrictions on campfires and off road travel, the BLM fire orders also prohibit the use of steel-jacketed and other types of incendiary ammunition. 

Additional information about fire use on public lands is available from the BLM Arcata Field Office, (707) 825-2300.

-BLM-

Arcata Field Office     1995 Heindon Rd.     Arcata, CA  95521