WILLOWS — Officials with the Mendocino National Forest (MNF) Friday entered into fire restrictions because of dry conditions and increased risk of wildfires. The fire restrictions will continue through the end of fire season.
Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal fires or stoves are prohibited in the National Forest unless in the following designated recreation sites:
– Grindstone Ranger District: Red Bluff Recreation Area and Big Springs Day Use Area; Whitlock, Kingsley Glade, Sugarfoot Glade, Three Prong, Wells Cabin, Sugar Springs, Letts Lake, Mill Valley, Dixie Glade, Plaskett Meadows, Masterson, Little Stony, Grey Pine, Fouts Springs, Davis Flat, South Fork, Cedar Camp, Mill Creek, North Fork and Old Mill Campgrounds.
– Upper Lake Ranger District: Fuller Grove, Fuller Group Camp, Navy Camp, Pogie Point, Oak Flat, Sunset, Middle Creek, Deer Valley, Bear Creek, Penny Pines and Lower Nye Campgrounds.
– Covelo Ranger District: Eel River, Little Doe, Howard Lake and Hammerhorn Lake Campgrounds.
Visitors should be aware that because of the Mill Fire currently burning in the forest, many recreation sites in the area west of Stonyford and south of the Snow Mountain Wilderness are currently closed to visitors under Order Number 08-12-07. This includes recreation areas from the Fouts Springs area through Letts Lake.
California Campfire Permits are not needed in the designated recreation sites listed. 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.
Campfire permits may be obtained at any U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or CAL FIRE office in California, as well as most U.S. Forest Service field employees.
The permits may also be obtained online at www.fs.usda.gov/main/mendocino/passes-permits/recreation.
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 are also required on chain saws being used for people filling valid personal use wood cutting permits and may also only be used on designated roads and trails.
“As we continue to work on the Mill Fire, we are reminded that the rugged terrain that makes the Mendocino such a remarkable place can be very conducive to the rapid spread of wildfire,” Forest Supervisor Sherry Tune said. “The public can help prevent wildfires such as the Mill Fire by respecting the fire restrictions and being careful when using anything with a flame or that can throw a spark while enjoying this spectacular forest.”
Temporary fire restrictions are put in place annually to protect natural resources and limit the threat of human-caused wildfires. Similar restrictions are going into effect in neighboring forests. However, restrictions can vary by forest and visitors should check with the forest they plan on visiting for the latest fire restrictions and conditions.
For the MNF, the fire restrictions are formally referenced through Order Number 08-12-08.
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.
Fire season typically ends in late fall following a series of drenching, measurable rains in the mountains. An announcement will follow when fire restrictions are lifted.
For more information, contact the MNF at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino.
