MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Fire restrictions will start on the Mendocino National Forest beginning Wednesday, July 13, due to dry conditions and increased risk of wildfires.

The fire restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.

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, 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 Campgrounds 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 under the restrictions, campfires, charcoal fires or stoves are allowed in federally designated Wilderness areas and the following designated fire safe recreation sites on the forest with a valid California Campfire Permit:

· Upper Lake Ranger District – Lower Nye Campground, Pine Mountain Lookout, Hunter Camp, Pinnacle Rock Camp, Spruce Grove Camp, Sanhedrin Hunter Camp, Dry Oak Camp and Lakeview Camp.

· Covelo Ranger District – Surveyor Camp, Rock Cabin, Rattlesnake, Post Camp, Grizzly Flat and Patrol Camp.

· Grindstone Ranger District – Pacific Ridge Station, West Crockett, Ides Cove, Horse Packer, Board Tree Camp, Rocky Cabin and Sugar Springs.

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 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. The may also be obtained 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.

· Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

· Using explosives.

· Possessing, discharging or using any kind of fireworks.

Forest visitors will be 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 also are required on chainsaws being used for people filling valid personal use wood cutting permits and may only be used on designated roads and trails.

Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson says, “We invite the public to enjoy this great forest and remember that we all have a responsibility to help prevent wildfires. Please respect the fire restrictions and be careful when using anything with a flame or that can throw a spark.”

One less spark means one less wildfire, officials said.

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 Order Number 08-16-13.

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 .