MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — Fire-use restrictions will go into effect for the Mendocino National Forest at 12 a.m. on Thursday, July 1.

These restrictions are designed to help minimize the chances of human-caused wildland fires.

Mendocino National Forest Fire Restrictions include:

— Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire is prohibited except in the designated recreation sites listed in Exhibit A of the order (MNF Forest Order No. 08-21-03) and wilderness areas.
— Barbeque grills using briquettes are not allowed outside of designated recreation sites.
— Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or within the designated recreation sites.
— Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads or trails, or within the Designated Recreation Sites is prohibited.
— Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.
— Using an explosive is prohibited.
— Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.

Exemptions include:

— Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above.
— Outside of designated recreation sites, listed in Exhibit A, forest visitors with a valid California campfire permit will still be able to use pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with shut-off valves, in an area at least five feet from any flammable materials.
— Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
— Persons with a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service for a recreation residence on the Mendocino National Forest are exempt from Prohibition numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 while they are at their recreation residence.

Fire officials want to remind visitors to leave their fireworks at home this Independence Day. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands, regardless of weather or fire restrictions.

Similar restrictions are also in effect on the neighboring lands. Since restrictions can vary by ownership, visitors should contact the area they plan to visit for specific fire restrictions and conditions.