Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

Fire restrictions to take effect July 2 on BLM land

This post was written by Gabrielle Renteria, 2015 Bookstore Assistant, 2016 Mono Lake Intern, and 2016–2018 Project Specialist.

Beginning Monday, July 2, the Bureau of Land Management will implement fire restrictions throughout Mono and Inyo counties. These restrictions are put in place each year to protect local communities and our public lands from wildfire.

In 2016 the Marina Fire burned just north of Lee Vining. Photo by Bartshe Miller.

Restrictions include:

  • All campfires and barbecues are prohibited, except in fire rings or pits within the Tuttle Creek, Goodale, Horton Creek, Crowley Lake, and Pleasant Valley Pit campgrounds.
  • Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed outside of these posted campgrounds, with a valid California campfire permit.
  • No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a campground listed above, or while stopped in an area cleared of flammable vegetation for at least three feet.
  • No possession or use of fireworks, including “safe and sane” devices.
  • No welding or using open-flame torches.
  • Target shooters may not use incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition or targets made of material that could explode or emit sparks. Shooters must have shovels or fire extinguishers on hand.

There are currently no fire restrictions in place for Inyo National Forest land, however campfire permits are required for campfires and camp stoves outside of designated campgrounds.

Even in designated campgrounds it is important to practice fire safety. Never leave a fire unattended and be sure to “drown, stir, and feel” when extinguishing your campfire. To obtain a California Campfire Permit click here or visit us in our Information Center & Bookstore, open seven days a week, 8:00am to 9:00pm.

Thank you for helping to keep our communities and public lands safe!