BLM Bakersfield Field Office issues seasonal fire restrictions

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management, in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, is issuing seasonal fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Bakersfield Field Office effective Friday, May 15, due to dry conditions and high wildland fire danger. These seasonal restrictions are in addition to the year-round statewide fire prevention order. This seasonal fire order will remain in effect until further notice.

The BLM-managed public lands affected by these fire restrictions are in eastern Fresno, western Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties, as well as the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Keysville Special Recreation Management Area, Lake Isabella and San Joaquin River Gorge.

The additional restrictions include no campfires, barbecues or open fires, in or outside of developed campgrounds. Portable stoves with gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit, available free online or at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices.

On average, human-caused wildfires account for 95% of all wildfires in California. Many of these wildfires occur near roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing considerable risk to public safety. Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildfire risk - while recreating on public lands, around homes and communities - before a fire occurs can help keep property, the public and firefighters safe.

The following restrictions will remain in place until fire dangers subside:

• No Campfires or wood/briquette/charcoal barbeques are allowed. Pressurized gas-powered stoves/grills are allowed only with a valid California Campfire Permit.
• No Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter barren of all flammable materials.
• No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• No motorized vehicles or tools powered by internal combustion engines off designated roads or trails.
• No use of any steel-jacketed, steel core or incendiary ammunition of any caliber, except with a state of California hunting license and in accordance with California hunting regulations.

Possessing, discharging or using fireworks or pyrotechnic devices are prohibited across Bureau of Land Management lands. Additionally, a valid California Campfire Permit is required to operate a stove or fire on these public lands.

HELP PREVENT FIRES

Residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires:

• Make sure all campfires are completely extinguished. Drown the fire and stir around the area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. If it's not cool to touch, it's not out.
• Maintain proper tire pressure, ensure adequate tire tread and check brakes for overheating. Do not drive or park on brush or grass. Do not drag chains while towing.
• Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.
• Steel-core ammunition, although legal while hunting, can greatly increase the chance of wildfire if it ricochets off rocks or other hard surfaces.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. The trespasser may also be held responsible for all fire suppression and damage costs.

To learn how to prevent wildland fires, visit Cal Fire. A map of current fire restrictions is available at the BLM California Wildfire Dashboard. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service. For specific questions, contact the Bakersfield Field Office at 661-391-6000.