BLM Issues Fire Prevention Orders for California Desert District

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released Fire Prevention Orders that address year-round and seasonal fire restrictions. The Fire Prevention Orders assist with wildland fire prevention efforts throughout public lands within the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) as well as public lands outside the CDCA in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. The complete Fire Prevention Order (CA-060-2013-01) can be viewed at: http://blm.gov/h6kd.

Year-round fire restrictions addressed in the order include: fireworks, ammunition, targets, burning, spark arresters, and permits.

Seasonal fire restrictions state that in general, campfires and barbeques are allowed on all public lands in the California Desert District without a permit from the end of October to May 15. Proper clearance of flammable fuels to a minimum of five feet and having shovel or extinguishing tools readily available are mandatory.

During fire season, which generally runs from May 15 to the end of October, all public lands within the CDCA will be considered to be in Stage I restrictions which allows campfires, barbeques, and gas stoves with a permit. Some areas that experience extreme fire danger may be placed on Stage II and/or Stage III restrictions. The posted Fire Prevention Order contains details on all stage restrictions.

Any person convicted of knowingly and willfully violating a Fire Prevention Order can be fined up to $1,000, receive up to 12 months in jail, or both. That person is also liable for the cost of damages and suppression of the fire.

For more information or to obtain a permit contact the BLM’s California Desert District Office at (951) 697-5200 or local field offices in Barstow (760) 252-6000, El Centro (760) 337-4400, Needles (760) 326-7000, Palm Springs-South Coast (760) 251-4800 or Ridgecrest (760) 384-5400.