Fire peril prompts BLM regs

The Bureau of Land Management has implemented fire restrictions on all public lands it manages within the boundaries of its Mother Lode Field Office.

The office manages about 230,000 acres in Tuolumne, Calaveras, Nevada, Yuba, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Sutter, and Mariposa counties.

Annual restrictions are implemented when the climate becomes extremely dry and will remain in effect until further notice, according to the BLM. 

The restrictions apply to open fires, welding or any open flame torch, explosives, internal combustion engines off maintained roads, firing tracers or incendiary devices, and fireworks.

Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed, and open fires are only permitted in designated campgrounds or open fire stoves.

A valid California campfire permit is required for all fires. Permits are available for free at any BLM, U.S. Forest Service or Cal Fire office.

Violations of these restrictions are punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and a year in jail.

For additional information, contact the Mother Lode Field Office at 916-941-3101.