BLM Eases Fire Limits on California Mother Lode Lands

Recreational target shooting and campfires with a valid permit are allowed again on public lands in ten Central Valley and Sierra foothill counties.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hunting

Photograph of a bare stone fire ring with embers and a thin wisp of smoke in golden foothill grassland beneath scattered oaks and distant ridgelines. — The Bureau of Land Management on Thursday lifted wildfire restrictions on public lands in ten Mother Lode counties, allowing permitted campfires and recreational target shooting to resume. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Bureau of Land Management eased fire restrictions on public lands managed by its Mother Lode Field Office, effective Thursday, October 29. Restrictions first imposed on May 22 to curb wildfire risk now allow recreational target shooting and campfires with a valid campfire permit.

Why it matters

The change restores access to public land for hunters, campers and recreational shooters in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Yuba counties. A statewide Fire Prevention Order remains in place for BLM-managed land in California, so restrictions still apply in other respects.

Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices remain banned on BLM-managed public lands. Recreational target shooters must pack out all spent shells, brass and targets, and California Campfire Permits are free online or at BLM, USDA Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.

The players

Bureau of Land Management

The federal agency that manages public lands across the western United States, including the Mother Lode Field Office area in California.

U.S. Wildland Fire Service

The federal wildland fire agency that coordinated with the Bureau of Land Management on the easing of restrictions.

The details

Fire restrictions were rescinded in part for public lands managed by the Mother Lode Field Office, with the easing coordinated with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. The rescinded fire prevention order contains the full details of what is now permitted.

May 22: Fire restrictions initiated to curb wildfire risk.
Thursday, October 29: Easing of fire restrictions took effect.

Seasonal Patterns

The easing comes under California's statewide Fire Prevention Order for BLM-managed public lands, which stays in place even as local restrictions are relaxed. Restrictions in the Mother Lode area were first imposed on May 22, and their lifting in late October reflects the seasonal shift away from peak fire-danger conditions.

Hunters, campers and recreational shooters can again use BLM public land in the ten listed counties with a valid campfire permit. Shooters must bring a bag to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets, and must avoid tracer rounds and incendiary devices.

The takeaway

Before heading out, check whether your planned activity is allowed under the current order and get a free California Campfire Permit if you plan to build a fire. Pack out all shooting debris to keep public lands open for others.