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In a July 25 news release, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said it is increasing fire restrictions on BLM-managed public lands within the Central California District due to high fire danger. Target shooting is also being temporarily banned.
Increased restrictions are in effect for the Central Coast Field Office—which includes San Benito County—as well as the Mother Lode Field Office and the Ukiah Field Office. They are in addition to the initial fire restrictions issued by the field offices. A year-round statewide fire prevention order will remain in effect until further notice.
Philip Oviatt, a BLM public affairs officer, told BenitoLink the agency will be monitoring campgrounds on its lands. San Benito County has three BLM-managed land sites: Clear Creek, Tumey Hills and Panoche Hills recreational areas. He added there have been no fires in these areas this year.
Josh Silveira, Cal Fire BEU battalion chief, told BenitoLink more than 2,000 acres have burned in the county and his firefighters have responded to just under 100 vegetation fires with San Benito and Monterey counties this year.
San Benito County’s largest fire this year has been the Airline Fire, which burned 1,295 acres between July 2 and July 5. The cause of ignition and origin for this and other county fires is still under investigation.
Cal Fire has suspended outdoor residential burn permits in both San Benito and Monterey counties.
According to the BLM press release, portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, are still allowed both in and outside developed campgrounds with a valid California campfire permit, available free at any USDA Forest Service, BLM or CalFire office, as well as online.
The following restrictions will remain in place until the fire danger subsides:
- No campfires, barbeques or open flame of any kind, even in developed campgrounds.
- No target shooting. Hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and metal from recreational shooting can spark a wildfire. Use of firearms for hunting is still allowed. Hunters must abide by state of California laws and regulations. Visit www.wheretoshoot.org for alternative recreational target shooting locations.
- No motorized vehicles off BLM designated roads or trails.
- No tools powered by internal combustion engines (such as chainsaws or lawn mowers) off BLM designated roads or trails.
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a developed recreation site or other designated areas.
- No welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
- No explosives.
Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order could be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. Restitution for total fire suppression and damage costs incurred can be borne by the trespasser.
On July 1, Pinnacles National Park restricted fires within the park and issued the following statement on social media.
“As of July 1, 2024, all fires in Pinnacles National Park are prohibited for the remainder of the summer fire season. At the VERY HIGH fire level, these restrictions include all open flames, fire pits, and grills, regardless of fuel type.
Propane stoves with protected burners are permitted only while actively cooking. Fireworks, smoking on trails, and hanging electric lights from trees and other park vegetation is also not permitted.”
Fires on BLM and National Park land in the county are fought by several agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, BLM and Cal Fire.
To learn how you can do your part to prevent wildland fires visit http://www.readyforwildfire.org/.
Cal Fire battling blaze in Paicines | BenitoLink
Cal Fire suspends burn permits in San Benito and Monterey counties | BenitoLink
Pinnacles announces new fire restrictions | BenitoLink
Cal Fire fighting blaze near Pinnacles National Park | BenitoLink
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