(Left) Poppies in bloom above the Merced River in Mariposa County - Credit: BLM
The easing of fire restrictions apply to approximately 230,000-acres of public land managed by the Mother Lode Field Office in all or portions of Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Merced, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Yuba counties. Fire restrictions were originally initiated on June 23.
Outdoor enthusiasts are reminded to be careful when recreating on public lands to prevent wildfire. For more information, visit www.readyforwildfire.org/Prevent-Wildfire/. Safety tips include not driving a vehicle onto dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and bucket of water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves. To learn more about campfire safety, visit http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfires/.
Shooters are also reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Shooters are responsible for fires started by shooting activities.
The BLM strives to be a good neighbor in the communities it serves, providing opportunities for economic growth with space for traditional uses such as ranching, mining, logging, and energy development as well as hunting and fishing. For more information, please call the Mother Lode Field Office at 916-941-3101.
Source: BLM