NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The Mendocino National Forest has issued a new area closure for the August Complex.

Forest Order No. 08-20-12 is effective Sunday, Sept. 6, through Saturday, Oct. 31.

The order essentially shrinks the southern boundary of the closure and opens the Snow Mountain Wilderness to recreation while keeping the bulk of the August Complex fire area closed.

This temporary closure is necessary to provide for firefighter and public safety due to active fire behavior and hazards associated with the complex.

“Recreation is an important part of the Labor Day weekend tradition. We ask our visitors to “do your part” and recreate responsibly. Enjoy your visit but please do not gather in large groups,” said acting Forest Supervisor Sandra Moore.

“We appreciate it very much when you pack out everything you pack in to help us keep the forest clean for the next visitor,” Moore added.

Be advised that smoke surrounding the 305,673-acre August Complex is in the unhealthy range at times.

There is a fire weather warning in effect from Monday through Wednesday for extreme heat, low humidity and winds up to 25 miles per hour.

Forest Order No. 08-20-12 and exhibits are posted on the forest website.

August Complex incident information is posted on InciWeb.