Inyo National Forest, Bishop Field Office Announces Fire Restrictions

Fourth Of July Weekend Has increased Fire Restrictions Because of Hot Dry Conditions

Bishop Ca, June 30, 2016 – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bishop Field Office and the Inyo National Forest are implementing fire restrictions. The restrictions are in effect on all BLM public lands managed by the Bishop Field Office and Inyo National Forest lands with the exception of certain wilderness areas (see list below).
“We look at fuel (vegetation) moisture and other fire danger indices to determine when it’s time for fire restrictions.” said Inyo National Forest Supervisor, Ed Armenta. “Record high temperatures and drying conditions in the past several weeks have led to the increase of fire activity we have seen throughout the Eastern Sierra and California.”
“This year’s late season rain and snow produced a substantial grass crop that has created a continuous fine fuel bed to feed fires,” said Steve Nelson, Field Manager of BLM’s Bishop Field Office. “The nearer to average winter was a welcome change, but it was not enough to take the edge off the drought and the potential for a severe fire season.”
Beginning July 1 at midnight and until further notice, the following restrictions will be in effect:

• No campfires, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of designated developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas. A list of designated campgrounds and recreation sites is available at visitor centers, and on the website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd507554.pdf (Inyo National Forest) and http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd507759.pdf(BLM, Bishop Field Office).
• Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at visitor center or online athttp://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/) are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
• No fireworks. It is prohibited to possess or discharge any 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 material.

Most Inyo National Forest Wilderness Areas are exempt from this order including Hoover, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Boundary Peak, White Mountains, Golden Trout, and South Sierra wildernesses. Resorts, pack stations, recreation residences and other sites operated under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service or BLM may be exempt from the special orders, as long as any fire activity is conducted in compliance with their permit.
Residents and visitors are reminded that fireworks, even “safe and sane” are not allowed at any time on public lands.