SUSANVILLE NEWS | LASSEN COUNTY | OCTOBER 18, 2026. Recreational campfires and target shooting may again be allowed on many Bureau of Land Management public lands after a change effective October 15, 2026. But the agency’s announcement includes conditions that visitors near Susanville and Eagle Lake should read before lighting a fire or traveling to a shooting area.
The BLM announced that it had eased seasonal restrictions on lands overseen by the Eagle Lake and Applegate field offices. The restrictions, imposed July 15, were lifted for designated areas in six California counties—Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou and Shasta—and parts of Nevada. This change concerns BLM-managed lands; it does not automatically change rules for national forests, state parks, tribal lands or private property.
What changes for residents and visitors
BLM says recreational target shooting and campfires are again permitted under the rescinded seasonal restrictions unless otherwise posted. Campfires still require a valid California Campfire Permit. The agency also specifies a permit for portable gas stoves. Permits can be obtained free through the California campfire-permit program or from participating land-management offices.
Importantly, the federal agency states that a statewide Fire Prevention Order remains in place on BLM-managed lands in California. Visitors should check the precise parcel, current restrictions, signs and weather rather than interpreting the October 15 release as blanket permission to burn anything anywhere.
Target shooting is not unrestricted
The BLM release specifically warns that hot bullet fragments, exploding targets and unsafe activities can ignite wildfires. Tracer ammunition and incendiary devices remain prohibited on BLM-managed public lands. Shooting visitors are told to pack out spent ammunition components and targets. Conditions can change quickly during wind events and periods of dry vegetation.
Before heading into the Eagle Lake region
- Confirm which agency manages the land. Rules can change at the boundary between federal, state and privately managed parcels.
- Check for remaining site-specific closures or orders. A rescinded seasonal order does not override a separate signed prohibition.
- Carry fire-control equipment. BLM urges visitors to keep vehicles off dry grass, and bring a fire extinguisher, shovel and water.
- Verify conditions before departure. Consult current BLM California fire restrictions and National Weather Service information.
Where to ask about the rules
The Eagle Lake Field Office lists 530-257-0456 and BLM_CA_Web_EL@blm.gov. The October 15 BLM release also links the specific rescission documents for Eagle Lake and Applegate. Those orders and current field-office notices are the governing documents to check.
Related Susanville reporting: read our Lassen Rural Bus service guide for separate transportation information.
Source: Bureau of Land Management, October 15, 2026, seasonal fire-restriction announcement. This article explains the published order and does not establish the current status of any individual campsite or shooting area.
Support Susanville News
Choose how to support Susanville News:
Credit / Debit Card via StripeChoose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.
Continue with PayPalZelle323-677-7643Open Zelle through your bank. Verify the recipient before sending.
Optional reader support. When possible, add “Susanville News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.
COMMUNITY
Comments
Join the California58 conversation. You must be signed in to comment.
Create a free California58 account or sign in with an available social provider.