BLM Lifts Campfire Restrictions in the California Desert District

Effective October 16, the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) California Desert District has lifted its campfire restrictions on all BLM-managed public lands in southern California within the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA). BLM-managed lands in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and western Riverside County that are designated as “State Responsibility Areas” (SRA) remain under Stage II restrictions. These areas only permit campfires within approved fire pits and grills provided for in developed recreational sites.

"Because we have declared our fire season over, the public will not be required to obtain a campfire permit throughout the CDCA," said Teri Raml, BLM California Desert District Manager. "However, campers still are required to provide proper clearance of flammable fuels to a minimum of five feet and to have a shovel or other extinguishing tools readily available."

The following elements of the fire prevention order remain in place and are prohibited:

• Use/ignition of all fireworks;
• Possession or discharge of a firearm using incendiary, tracer, steel core, or armor piercing ammunition;
• Ignition or burning of any tire, petroleum product, wires, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive materials;
• All off-road vehicles being operated on public lands must be equipped with a properly installed spark arrester, and are required at all times throughout the year.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in Title 43 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 9212.1. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the regulations shall upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both.

For more information contact any of the following BLM offices: California Desert District Office (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) 251-4800 or Ridgecrest Field Office (760) 384-5400.