Aaron James Bassler, 35, of Fort Bragg, Calif., is being sought for the murder of Fort Bragg City Councilman Jere Melo on Saturday, August 27, 2011. Mendocino County Sheriff's Office photo.

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – As law enforcement continues to search forestland near Fort Bragg for a suspect in the shooting of a city councilman, Cal Fire has closed the Jackson Demonstration State Forest to the public.

Cal Fire Mendocino Unit Chief Christopher P. Rowney said Tuesday that the Jackson Demonstration State Forest was closed at Camp One campgrounds, the permitted public firewood area also was closed and the public was urged to keep out of the entire Jackson Demonstration State Forest area north of Highway 20 until further notice.

The action was taken to ensure public safety as the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and allied agencies – including Cal Fire – are continuing to search the area for 35-year-old Aaron James Bassler of Fort Bragg.

Bassler is the suspect in the murder of Jere Melo, a well-respected member of the Fort Bragg City Council.

Melo, 69, was shot dead while on private timber company land he helped manage near Fort Bragg on Saturday, Aug. 27, as Lake County News has reported.

Bassler – who was last seen wearing dark clothing – is armed and dangerous, according to sheriff's officials.

He is described as a white male, 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with any information about Bassler and his location is asked to call authorities at 707-463-4086 or 707-961-2479.

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