WILLOWS >> The employees of the Mendocino National Forest want to remind visitors to have a safe Fourth of July holiday, especially while recreating in the forest.
With hot and dry conditions continuing, visitors are asked to be careful with fire in the national forest, including campfires, gas stoves and lanterns, and to comply with current fire restrictions.
Fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on the Mendocino National Forest, according to Tamara Schmidt, public affairs officer.
The forest is currently under fire restrictions, which means there are limitations on where campfires, gas stoves, lanterns and internal combustion engines — including chainsaws — can be used. Recreation sites are posted with the information.
“Nighttime temperatures are generally cooler in the mountains, and even during summer there is the possibility of storms,” Schmidt stated. “Visitors should be prepared for changing conditions. Bring layered clothing and plenty of food and water. Tell someone where you plan to go, which routes you plan to take and when you plan to be back.”
“We want everyone to have a safe and memorable Fourth of July weekend, especially those joining us on the forest,” forest Supervisor Sherry Tune said. “Human-caused fires are preventable and historically have been among the most devastating for the Mendocino National Forest. We have been very fortunate not to have a large fire on the forest since 2012 and ask visitors to help us maintain that this fire season by being careful during their visit.”
All Mendocino National Forest offices will be closed Friday in observance of the Independence Day.
For information, contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino.
