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BLM lifts seasonal fire and target shooting restrictions in the California Desert District

California
California Desert DO
Media Contact
A picnic table and fire pits under a tree.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The California Desert District is lifting seasonal fire restrictions as of Thurs., Oct. 24, by midnight, to safely allow campfires and target shooting on BLM-managed public lands in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, southern Inyo, eastern Mono, San Diego, and eastern Kern counties. Restrictions on smoking will also be lifted on BLM-managed public lands within San Diego, eastern Kern, western Riverside, western San Bernardino, and eastern Los Angeles counties.

“We continue to ask the public to practice safety and awareness when using fire or participating in recreational target shooting on public lands,” said BLM California Desert District Manager Shelly Lynch.  

Use of campfires, barbecues and gas stoves on BLM-managed public lands will be allowed with a valid California campfire permit. Campfire permits are required outside of developed campgrounds and are available for free online at ReadyForWildfire.org and at the BLM, Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.

During Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches, as determined by the National Weather Service, all recreational target shooting and use of campfires will be suspended to reduce the potential of unintended wildland fire ignitions. Check with your local BLM Field Office for more information on specific locations.

Year-round fire restrictions including the statewide Fire Prevention Order and the California Desert District Year-Round Fire Prevention Order, will remain in place for all BLM-managed public lands in California. Year-round fire restrictions require a year-round campfire permit, maintaining a five-foot diameter clearance around campfires, guidance for extinguishing campfires on BLM-managed public lands in California and prohibit the possession and use of steel jacketed or steel core ammunition and all campfires and recreational target shooting during any Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch.

The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution when using fire and to follow these precautions:

  • Always have a five-foot circle cleared around your campfire.
  • Always have a shovel and plenty of water on hand and put your campfire DEAD OUT, before leaving.
  • Never use steel targets, steel jacketed or steel core ammunition for recreational shooting as they are more likely to cause a fire.
  • Always park vehicles away from areas where exhaust could cause grass or other combustibles to ignite.

Visit the California Fire Information and Fire Restrictions website for an interactive map and listing of fire restrictions throughout BLM California. For alternative recreational target shooting locations visit WhereToShoot.org.

For more BLM information about wildfire prevention, please contact the California Desert District Office at 951-697-5200; Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000; El Centro Field Office at 760-337-4400; Needles Field Office at 760-326-7000; Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office at 760-833-7100; or Ridgecrest Field Office at 760-384-5400.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.