News Release

For Release: May 13, 2008         
Contact: Mike Chiodini, (831) 630-5029 or David Christy (916) 985-4474
CA-CC-0863

BLM Announces Fire Restrictions for Lands Managed by Hollister Field Office

The Bureau of Land Management is placing precautionary fire restrictions on public land managed by the Hollister Field Office. No vehicles, campfires or open flames will be allowed on BLM lands in the Panoche, Griswold, Tumey and Ciervo Hills, effective Thursday.

BLM Fire Management Officer Mario Marquez says the restrictions are needed due to dry fuels and fire danger throughout central California. "A wildfire under these conditions could pose a serious threat to public land visitors and resources, and adjacent private lands and communities," said Marquez.

According to BLM Fire Education Specialist Mike Chiodini, all campfires and barbeques, even within camp sites, are prohibited.  Portable stoves with gas, jellied petroleum or pressured liquid fuel are authorized with a valid California campfire permit, but the public is asked to be extremely careful with their use.

Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or while stopped or standing in an area cleared or barren of flammable material for at least three feet in diameter.  Vehicle travel is restricted to established roads and trails that have no vegetation that may come in contact with the under carriage or exhaust system of the vehicle. The public is asked to be extremely careful while hiking, birding or hunting in these areas.

Chiodini explained that central California received lower than normal spring precipitation and the wildland fuels are extremely dry. As summer temperatures rise, these fuels can become volatile. Fire can spread quickly, and threaten lives, property and resources.

For further information on the fire restrictions, contact the Bureau of Land Management Hollister Field Office at (831) 630-5029.

-BLM-

Hollister Field Office, 20 Hamilton Court, Hollister, CA 95023