BLM press release

BLM Announces Temporary Fire Restrictions for the Eastern Sierra

BISHOP, Calif. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing temporary fire restrictions on all public lands managed by the Bishop Field Office in Inyo and Mono counties, effective July 28. The restrictions will remain in effect until November 6, or until hazardous wildfire conditions on public lands in the Eastern Sierra improve.

“The above average rain and snowfall we received this winter helped delay the onset of fire season in the Eastern Sierra this year,” says BLM Bishop Field Manager Steve Nelson. “High temperatures and drying conditions, especially at the lower elevations, have prompted us to implement fire restrictions at this time. California has already suffered through several large wildfires that have exhibited extreme fire behavior this season. We all need to do our part to prevent these destructive wildfires.”

The following restrictions go into effect Friday, July 28:

  • No campfires, charcoal or wood barbecues, or stoves are allowed, except within a fire ring or fire pit within a designated campsite at the following developed recreation sites: Tuttle Creek, Goodale Creek, Horton Creek, Crowley Lake, and Pleasant Valley Pit campgrounds.
  • Persons with avalid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at visitor centers or online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/) are allowed to use portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
  • No fireworks. It is prohibited to possess or discharge any fireworks, even “safe and sane” fireworks.
  • No smoking,except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
  • No welding, or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.
  • No explosives. Target shooters may not use incendiary, tracer, steel core, armor-piercing ammunition, or targets made of material that could explode or emit sparks. Target shooters must have shovels or fire extinguishers.

Individuals and businesses operating under a BLM special use permit may be exempt from these restrictions, as long as any fire activity is conducted in compliance with their permit. Violation of the fire restrictions is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, and a maximum 12-month sentence.

The BLM strives to be a good neighbor in the communities we serve, where we provide opportunities for economic growth from traditional uses such as ranching, mining, logging, and energy development, as well as recreational activities including camping, hiking, rock climbing, hunting, and fishing, which are the cornerstone of the Eastern Sierra economy.

Public land visitors and permittees are encouraged to do their part to ensure thatthat one less spark leads to one less wildland fire. Everyone is encouraged to take individual responsibility to reduce flammable materials around homes and communities before a fire occurs. Learn more about defensible space athttp://www.readyforwildfire.org/.

For more information on the fire restrictions, please call the BLM Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000.

CALFIRE press release

INYO & MONO COUNTIES – After a wet winter, warming temperatures are quickly drying out the abundant annual grass crop. The increasing fire danger posed by the high volume of dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region is prompting CAL FIRE to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Areas of Inyo County and Mono County.

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This suspension takes effect 6:00 a.m. July 31, 2017 and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.

“We are asking that residents not be lulled into a false sense of security on the heels of an exceptionally wet winter,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “The abundant dead grass will only serve as a fuse to the heavier vegetation still suffering the lasting effects of 5 years of extreme drought.”

CAL FIRE’s Unit Chief for San Bernardino, Glenn Barley said that “while winter rains have significantly improved drought conditions across California, fire is an ever-present danger across the state and especially in Southern California where even in wet years significant, damaging fires can occur.”

Since January 1, 2017 CAL FIRE and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 3,222 wildfires. While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, CAL FIRE is asking residents to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home and building on their property.

Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
Clear all dead and or dying vegetation within 100 feet of all structures.
Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants
Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility

The Department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.

The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A campfire permit can be obtained at local fire stations or online at PreventWildfireCA.org.

For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

 

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