WILLOWS, Calif; July 14, 2017 – Fire restrictions will go into effect on the Mendocino National Forest Saturday, July 15 and will remain in place until rescinded. Mendocino National Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson says, “We are implementing these restrictions due to dry conditions and the increased risk of wildfires. The public can help prevent human-caused wildfires by always practicing fire safety and complying with these restrictions.” One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.
Temporary fire restrictions are put in place to provide for public safety, protect natural resources and limit the threat of human-caused wildfires. Similar restrictions are going into effect on neighboring forests. However, restrictions can vary by forest and visitors should check with the national forest they plan on visiting for the latest fire restrictions and conditions. For the Mendocino National Forest, the fire restrictions are formally referenced through Forest Order Number 08-17-23 and are posted online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/home/?cid=FSEPRD509485.
Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal fires or stoves are prohibited except in the following designated recreation sites on the Mendocino National Forest (no campfire permit is required):
- Grindstone Ranger District – Whitlock, Kingsley, Sugarfoot, Three Prong, Ides Cove, Horse Packer, Wells Cabin, Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Big Springs Day Use Area, Letts Lake, Mill Valley, Dixie Glade, Plaskett Meadows, Masterson, Little Stony, Grey Pine, Fouts Springs, Davis Flat, South Fork, North Fork, Mill Creek, Cedar Camp and Old Mill campgrounds.
- Upper Lake Ranger District – Fuller Grove, Fuller Grove Group Camp, Navy Camp, Pogie Point, Oak Flat, Sunset, Middle Creek, Deer Valley, Bear Creek, Penny Pines Campground and Lake Pillsbury Summer Home Sites.
- Covelo Ranger District – Eel River, Little Doe, Howard Lake, Howard Meadows, Atchison, Green Springs and Hammerhorn Lake campgrounds.
Also, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may have campfires, charcoal fires or stoves in federally designated Wilderness areas and the following designated fire safe recreation sites on the forest:
- Grindstone Ranger District – Pacific Ridge Station, West Crockett, Board Tree, Rocky Cabin and Sugar Springs.
- Upper Lake Ranger District – Lower Nye Campground, Pine Mountain Lookout, Hunter Camp, Pinnacle Rock Camp, Spruce Grove Camp, Sanhedrin Hunter Camp, Milsap Cabin, Dry Oak Camp and Lakeview Camp.
- Covelo Ranger District – Rock Cabin, Rattlesnake, Post Camp, Grizzly Flat and Patrol Camp.
In all other areas of the forest, lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be allowed as long as the person has a current California Campfire Permit with them. California Campfire Permits are free and may be obtained at any Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or CAL FIRE office in California, as well as from Forest Service field employees. They may also be found online at www.preventwildfireca.org.
The following activities are also prohibited as part of the fire restrictions:
- Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or in the designated recreation sites listed above
- Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest system roads or trails
- Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame
- Using an explosive
Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands. Forest visitors are able to continue riding Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on designated roads and trails, provided that the vehicles are equipped with the required spark arresters. Spark arresters are also required on chainsaws being used for people filling valid personal use wood cutting permits and may only be used on designated roads and trails.
Violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months imprisonment or both.
For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino.
