Boulder City, Nev. – Due to the escalating threat of wildfires caused by high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation, the Bureau of Reclamation is taking decisive action. Effective immediately, fire restrictions will be enforced on lands managed or maintained by Reclamation in Imperial and Riverside counties, California. These measures align with the Bureau of Land Management’s fire restrictions issued on May 22, 2024.
Key Fire Restrictions:
- No Open Fires: Building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires, campfires, or charcoal stoves are strictly prohibited, except within designated fire pits or grills at developed recreation sites. Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed but should be used cautiously.
- Welding and Acetylene Torches: Operating an acetylene torch with open flame is not allowed unless authorized by a permit.
- Explosives and Fireworks: The use of any explosive materials, including fireworks labeled safe and sane, is strictly forbidden.
- Incendiary Devices: Possession and use of tracer rounds, steel-jacket ammunition, explosive targets, or any other incendiary device are prohibited.
- Spark Arrestors: Motor vehicles and combustion engine equipment must have functional spark arrestors to prevent sparks that could ignite fires.
- Smoking Restrictions: Smoking is only allowed inside enclosed vehicles.
Enforcement and Penalties:
Reclamation fully supports the Bureau of Land Management’s Fire Prevention Orders and restrictions issued in each state. Violation of these restrictions may result in fines, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
For additional information regarding these fire restrictions, please contact Justin DeMaio, Archeologist with the Lower Colorado Basin’s Environmental Compliance Group, at telephone (702) 293-8359 or via email at jdemaio@usbr.gov.
