BLM Announces Seasonal Fire Restrictions for North Coast Public Lands

ARCATA, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management, in coordination with the US Wildland Fire Service and the Six Rivers National Forest, issued fire restrictions for public lands in Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties beginning Sunday, June 28. These seasonal fire restrictions listed in the fire order will be in place to help prevent wildfire and will remain in effect until further notice. These restrictions are in addition to the year-round statewide fire prevention order.

Fire restrictions in the Arcata Field Office fire order prohibit campfires and barbecues, except in agency provided metal campfire rings and barbecue grills in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed outside of these campgrounds and recreation sites, including the Lost Coast Trail, with a valid California campfire permit.

Other fire restrictions include:

• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a designated, developed recreation site, or other designated areas.
• No motor vehicles or internal combustion engines may be used off established roads or trails. Chainsaws with functioning spark arresters can be used for personal firewood cutting until 1 p.m. daily. There is an exemption for motor vehicles at the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area and on the wave slope of the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, South Spit, Humboldt Bay.
• It is illegal year-round to possess or discharge fireworks including "safe and sane" devices on public lands. There is an exemption in place for July 4 only at the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area near Eureka.
• No target shooting with incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition, or using exploding targets. Target shooting is allowed only from a half-hour before sunrise to noon daily. Target shooters must have a shovel or fire extinguisher on hand.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be fined not more than $100,000 and/or face imprisonment for not more than 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs may be borne by the trespasser.

Help prevent fires

North Coast residents and visitors are reminded to help prevent human-caused fires using these guidelines:

• Make sure all campfires are dead out. Drown the fire ashes and stir around the fire area with a shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. If it's not cool, it is not out.
• Be sure to maintain proper tire pressure for all vehicles, ensure adequate tire tread, and check brakes for overheating. Do not drive or park on brush or grass. Do not drag chains while towing.
• Off road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.

More information about preventing wildland fires is available online. Visit the BLM California fire information and restrictions website online. Fire weather forecasts are available through the National Weather Service. For more information, telephone the Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300.