PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has elevated seasonal fire restrictions effective May 6 for BLM California Desert District managed public lands within Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, southern Inyo, eastern Mono, San Diego, and eastern Kern Counties. These restrictions will remain in effect until December 31 unless terminated sooner if conditions warrant.

“Every year at this time, we ask all members of the public to partner with us to minimize fire potential,” said California Desert District Manager Andrew Archuleta. “Without your help and the proactive measures we have in place, dry grass and brush could easily ignite, cause a wildfire and threaten public land visitors, communities, adjacent private lands, and natural resources.”

The seasonal Fire Prevention Order places stage I and II fire restrictions for the California Desert District, as shown on the online map. The elevated regulations address campfires, controlled flame devices, and smoking on public lands. 

The order prohibits recreational target shooting on BLM-managed public lands within San Diego, eastern Kern, western Riverside, western San Bernardino and eastern Los Angeles counties, as shown on the map and described in the order. The recreational shooting restrictions do not impact licensed hunting.

The actions prohibited by this seasonal Fire Prevention Order are in addition to acts already outlined in the statewide Fire Prevention Order and the California Desert District Fire Prevention Order (map), which include a year-round campfire permit requirement, maintaining a five-foot diameter clearance around campfires, guidance for extinguishing campfires on BLM-managed public lands, and prohibiting the possession and use of steel jacketed or steel core ammunition. 

Specific descriptions of stage I and II seasonal fire restrictions and recreational shooting restrictions, a map showing each of these areas, and the statewide Fire Prevention Order are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions.

“On average, human-caused wildfires make up 95 percent of all wildfire occurrences annually here in California,” said BLM California Desert District Fire Management Officer Paul Gibbs. “Many of these wildfires occur close to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing a considerable threat to public safety.” Stage I and II seasonal fire restrictions and recreational shooting restrictions, based on weather and vegetation conditions, are designed to help minimize the risk of human-caused wildfires.

The public is reminded to follow these precautions:

Always have a five-foot circle cleared around your campfire.

Always have a shovel and plenty of water on hand and put your campfire DEAD OUT before leaving. 

Never use steel targets, steel jacketed or steel core ammunition for recreational shooting as they are more likely to cause a fire.

Always park vehicles away from areas where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.

Violation of this order is punishable by a fine up to $100,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

The public can find additional information about wildfire on CAL FIRE’s website at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/One-Less-Spark-Campaign/.

For more information about wildfire prevention from the BLM, please get in touch with the California Desert District Office at 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.

California Campfire Permits are available at: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/.