Press Release
☷The BLM initiates seasonal fire and target shooting restrictions in the California Desert District
Bureau of Land Management ( By Press Release office)
Apr 30,2022
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PALM SPRINGS , Calif . – The Bureau of Land Management has elevated its seasonal fire restrictions effective May 2 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 address the use of campfires , controlled flame devices and smoking on public lands , and will remain in effect until Oct . 28 , unless terminated sooner if conditions warrant . “With warmer temperatures , dead and dying grass , and an increase in fire activity , additional restrictions are necessary , and we ask for your cooperation to help minimize fire potential , ” said California Desert District Acting Manager Greg Miller . “These proactive measures are put in place to protect public land visitors , communities , adjacent private lands , and natural resources from the risk of wildfire . ”The seasonal California Desert District Fire Prevention Order places in effect stage I and II fire restrictions for the California Desert District , as shown on the online map . The order explains which areas have restrictions on campfires , smoking , and the requirements for controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns . The order also prohibits recreational target shooting on BLM - managed public lands within San Diego , eastern Kern , western Riverside , western San Bernardino and eastern Los Angeles counties . The recreational shooting restrictions do not impact 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 Year - Round Fire Prevention Order , which provides requirements for campfire permits , instructions on maintaining a five - foot diameter clearance around campfires , guidance for extinguishing campfires on BLM - managed public lands in California , prohibits the possession and use of steel jacketed or steel core ammunition for recreational target shooting , and outlines applicable changes during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch . “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 considerable threat to public safety . ” Stage I and II and recreational shooting restrictions , based on weather and vegetation conditions , are designed to help minimize the risk of human - caused wildfires in the California Desert District . All BLM California Fire Restrictions can be found on our Fire Restriction website . As stewards , the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations , supporting conservation in pursuit of its multiple - use mission . The BLM encourages the public to recreate responsibly on public lands , to Know Before You Go , and follow these fire safety precautions:Always have a five - foot circle cleared around your campfire ( unless prohibited by current fire restrictions ) . 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 BLM information about fire restrictions , please contact the nearest BLM field office Monday to Friday 8 a . m . to 4:30 p . m . California Desert District Office - 951 - 697 - 5200Barstow Field Office - 760 - 252 - 6000El Centro Field Office - 760 - 337 - 4400Needles Field Office - 760 - 326 - 7000Palm Springs - South Coast Field Office - 760 - 833 - 7100Ridgecrest Field Office - 760 - 384 - 5400 The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states , including Alaska , on behalf of the American people . The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub - surface mineral estate throughout the nation . Our mission is to sustain the health , diversity , and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations .
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