California Campfire Permit - 2015 UPDATED !

[Mitch]

One purpose of such permits is to better measure the use of the public lands. It's an imperfect measure, but it goes into the mix when it comes time to beg for more funding.

[DDRH]

is this needed in all BLM area? seems like the folks who frequent Indian Wells area says no permit required on BLM (camping thread).

Also, to be safe i emailed county Fire dept. and asked about campfires...Captain says it's alright to have a campfire for cooking (even marshmallows). And to make sure you have a way to put it out (shovel near by with dirt, water, etc...) However, i was inquiring about private property in this case.

I'll play it safe and print out the permit and sign

[Dano3467]

I've had no such problems as OP, went last week, walked in less than 2min, and out the door I went, same as every other year.

[Mitch]

is this needed in all BLM area? seems like the folks who frequent Indian Wells area says no permit required on BLM (camping thread).

I've been making fires for years at El Mirage Dry Lake with no permit. BLM truck drives by and doesn't give it a second look. Then at one point last year when I was buying the access pass I asked about campfires, and the woman filled out a permit for me. Whoop-de-do!

Anyway, now I've been spending time on Lucerne Dry Lake as well as El Mirage, still making fires, still no issues (there is less patrol activity at Lucerne).

On dry lakes they do ban fires directly on the lakebed. You need an elevated fire pit like this:

[edgerly779]

You don't have to watch video take a test what fud. I downloaded and filled it out without that nonsense.

[Jeff P]

Thanks for posting.

[DDRH]

that's a cool firepit setup, Mitch! my camping area...we're gonna dig a hole and use rocks for rock-ringed fire pit. I've already printed and signed the fire permit...better safe than sorry. Also, contacted County Fire Dept and Local Sheriff (got it on email for proof in case any LEO asks) and they're fine with fire-pit (this is on private property) as long as it's safe and you have a way to put it out (eg. shovel, water, dirt...)

[Southwest Chuck]

You don't have to watch video take a test what fud. I downloaded and filled it out without that nonsense.

That's the reason I posted the old link. Maybe some people need the Government to hold their hand during the process, though. I wouldn't be surprised that next year, that old link will be dead .