June 7, 2022 - EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Mother Lode Field Office will issue seasonal fire restrictions effective Monday, June 6, for all BLM-managed public lands in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Yuba counties. Seasonal fire restrictions are in addition to the BLM year-round statewide fire prevention order and will remain in effect until further notice.

(Left) Merced River in Mariposa County - Credit: Bob Wick, BLM

The increased restrictions include no campfires, barbeques, or open fires. The public can use an agency-provided fire ring or barbeque at a developed recreation site with a valid California campfire permit. California campfire permits are available online for free at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/ and at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices.

On average, human-caused wildfires make up 95 percent of all wildfires in California. “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.” said Mother Lode Field Manager Phil D’Amo. 

The following fire restrictions will go into affect: 
•    No campfires, barbeques, or open fires, except in developed campgrounds with a valid campfire permit. Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid California campfire permit.
•    No target shooting, except with a state of California hunting license and in accordance with hunting regulations.
•    No motorized vehicles or tools powered by internal combustion engines off designated roads or trails (such as chainsaws or lawn mowers).
•    No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated developed recreation site.
•    No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except by special permit.
•    No use of explosives, except by special permit.

During the issuance of Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches, as determined by the National Weather Service, all use of campfires is temporarily suspended to reduce the potential of unintended wildland fire ignitions for the period of the event.

Fire Prevention Orders for the BLM-managed public lands in the Mother Lode Field Office are available online. To learn more about how the public can assist in preventing wildland fires, visit www.readyforwildfire.org. A listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California public lands is available on the fire restriction website. For specific questions, please contact the Mother Lode Field Office at 916-941-3101.
Source: BLM