Hollister - Fire restrictions on 78,000 acres of southern San Benito County Bureau of Land Management property will take effect Sunday in an early effort to prevent wildfires.
BLM lands in the Panoche, Griswold, Tumey and Ciervo Hills will be affected by the restrictions. Campfires, open flames and driving off designated roads will be prohibited, according to the BLM. Visitors will also be prohibited from smoking outside their vehicle.
Mike Chiodini, the fire education specialist for the BLM's Hollister Field Office, said the restrictions have been set earlier than usual.
"It's just been so dry," Chiodini said. "We're at about 40 percent of normal."
In a year with normal precipitation, Chiodini said restrictions are put into place in late May. However, there were two small wildfires on south county BLM land last month, consuming about 90 acres, said Jerry Martinez, a BLM firefighter crew supervisor.
"That's pretty early for fires to happen down there," Martinez said. "It's going to be a pretty bad year for fires."
Martinez said crews have been using controlled burns to eliminate yellow star thistle, an evasive non-native plant that increases fire danger.
Portable stoves with gas, jellied petroleum or pressured liquid fuel can be used on BLM land with a California campfire permit. However, Chiodini urged the public to be watchful.
Land users must also watch their driving, Chiodini said.
The hot undercarriage of vehicles can often be a culprit in starting wildfires.
"Vehicles can cause grass fire," Chiodini said. "It's mainly grass fuel out there."
The restrictions should run through October or November, depending on when the rainy season starts.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335.
Michael Van Cassell Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335.
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