BLM tightens fire restrictions across North Coast public lands

The Bureau of Land Management has tightened fire rules across more than 200,000 acres of North Coast public land, putting seasonal restrictions in place for Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity and Mendocino counties as dry conditions and high fire danger continued to build. The order, issued by the Arcata Field Office and effective June 28, stays in force until further notice.

They apply to BLM-managed public lands, roads, waterways and trails, including the King Range National Conservation Area, the Headwaters Forest Reserve and the Trinidad Gateway to the California Coastal National Monument. The King Range alone covers about 68,000 acres along 35 miles of California’s north coast and was designated in 1970 as the nation’s first National Conservation Area.

Campfires and barbecues are now prohibited except inside agency-provided metal fire rings and grills at developed campgrounds and recreation sites. Portable stoves and lanterns fueled by gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are still allowed outside those campgrounds, including on the Lost Coast Trail, but only with a valid California campfire permit. Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles or buildings, designated developed recreation sites, or other specifically allowed areas. Motor vehicles and internal combustion engines may not be used off established roads or trails, and chainsaws may be used only for personal firewood cutting until 1 p.m. each day, and only if they have functioning spark arresters.

Fireworks remain illegal year-round on public lands, with one July 4 exception at Samoa Dunes Recreation Area near Eureka. The order also bans target shooting with incendiary, tracer, steel core or armor-piercing ammunition, along with exploding targets. Shooters must carry a shovel or fire extinguisher and may fire only from a half-hour before sunrise until noon.

Violations can bring penalties of up to $100,000 and/or 12 months in prison, with restitution possible for suppression and damage costs. California campfire permits are free and available online or through CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service or BLM offices, but statewide rules do not override local BLM fire orders. The Arcata Field Office can be reached at 707-825-2300. The latest order follows similar Arcata restrictions issued in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025.