BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office is easing seasonal fire restrictions effective November 19 for approximately 650,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, and Tulare counties, due to reduced wildland fire potential. BLM-managed lands in Santa Barbara and Ventura County will remain in fire restrictions until Jan. 1, 2025. Campfires will once again be allowed on public lands with a valid campfire permit, unless otherwise posted. The rescinded fire order can be viewed at the BLM website.

The easing of seasonal fire restrictions will also apply to all BLM-managed recreational areas, including the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Chimney Peak, Kennedy Meadows, Keysville, Lake Isabella, San Joaquin River Gorge and Three Rivers.

“The public is reminded to remain cautious and practice good fire safety to help prevent wildland fires when recreating on public lands,” said Bakersfield Field Manager Gabe Garcia. Good fire-prevention safety tips include keeping vehicles off dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves. California campfire permits are required and are available online.

Visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions for Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches to avoid campfires and target shooting in hot, dry and windy conditions. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Consider using paper targets to eliminate sparks and pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. More information on safe recreational target shooting is available on the BLM website.

For more information about fire restrictions on BLM-managed public lands, visit the California Fire Information and Fire Restrictions website, or call the BLM Bakersfield Field Office at 661-391-6000, or email BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is lifting fire restrictions on December 1 for approximately 650,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura and Tulare counties, due to reduced wildland fire conditions. The fire order can be found on the BLM website.

“Easing of fire restrictions will also affect all BLM-managed recreational areas,” said Bakersfield Field Manager Gabriel Garcia. “These include the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Chimney Peak, Kennedy Meadows, Keysville, Lake Isabella, San Joaquin River Gorge and Three Rivers.”

The public is reminded to remain cautious when recreating on public lands to prevent wildland fires. For more information, visit readyforwildfire.org/Prevent-Wildfire. Safety tips include not driving a vehicle onto dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and bucket of water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves. Free California campfire permits are available at all BLM, CAL FIRE and U.S. Forest Service offices and online at the CAL FIRE website.

Recreational shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Consider using paper targets to eliminate sparks. All shooters are required to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, can be held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs. Homeowners are reminded to keep 100 feet of clean open space around homes to provide defensible space.

The BLM strives to be a good neighbor in the communities it serves, providing opportunities for economic growth with space for traditional uses such as ranching, mining and energy development, as well as hunting and fishing.

For more information, call the Bakersfield Field Office at 661-391-6000 or email BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov.