The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will place precautionary fire restrictions on public lands managed by the Hollister Field Office effective April 15. No vehicles, campfires or open flames will be allowed on BLM lands in the Panoche, Griswold, Tumey and Ciervo hills.
BLM Fire Management Battalion Chief Michael Chiodini says the restrictions are needed due to dry fuels and fire danger throughout Central California. A wildfire under these conditions could pose a serious threat to public land visitors and resources, and adjacent private lands and communities.
According to BLM, all campfires and barbecues, even within camp sites, are prohibited. Portable stoves with gas, jellied petroleum or pressured liquid fuel are authorized with a valid California campfire permit, but the public is asked to be extremely careful with their use and carry a shovel and water at all times.
The BLM advises homeowners to "Take Responsibility" and keep 100 feet of clean, open space around their homes to provide defensible space and improve the chance that their homes and families can be protected in an uncontrolled wildfire.
For further information on the fire restrictions, contact the Bureau of Land Management Hollister Field Office at (831) 630-5000 or click here.