December 6, 2018 - BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office is lifting its fire restrictions on Friday, December 7, for approximately 650,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties, due to reduced fire conditions.

Easing of fire restrictions will also affect all BLM-managed recreational areas, including the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Chimney Peak, Kennedy Meadows, Keysville, Lake Isabella, San Joaquin River Gorge and Three Rivers.

The public is reminded to remain cautious when recreating on public lands to prevent a wildfire. For more information, visit 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. Free California campfire permits are available at all BLM, CAL FIRE and U.S. Forest Service offices and online at www.preventwildfireca.org/Permits.

Recreational shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Consider using paper targets to eliminate sparks. All shooters are required to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, can be held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs.

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 and energy development, as well as hunting and fishing.

Homeowners are reminded to keep 100 feet of clean open space around homes to provide defensible space. For more information and wildland fire safety tips, visit http://www.readyforwildfire.org/. For specific questions, please contact Ruth Ellison, 661-391-6000.
Source: BLM