MENDOCINO Co.., 8/2/19 — New fire restrictions began in the Mendocino National Forest this week on August 1, and the restrictions will be in place through October 31 in order to reduce the chances of wildfires. This means that “fires, campfires, charcoal fires or stoves are prohibited except in designated recreation sites, fire safe sites and federally designated wilderness areas.” Fires are still allowed in some recreation areas (listed below), but many recreational sites, including in the Upper Lake and Covelo ranger districts, will require a campfire permit.
Here’s the full press release with all the details:
Mendocino National Forest to implement fire restrictions August 1
USFS press release, August 1, 2019.
WILLOWS, Calif., July 31, 2019 — The Mendocino National Forest will implement fire restrictions, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. The restrictions will remain in place through October 31, 2019. Forest Order No. 08-19-04 is available on the forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd646537.pdf.
Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson says, “We are implementing these restrictions due to dry conditions and the increased risk of wildfires. The public can help prevent human-caused wildfires by always practicing fire safety and complying with these restrictions.”
Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal fires or stoves are prohibited except in designated recreation sites, fire safe sites and federally designated wilderness areas.
Designated recreation sites on the Mendocino National Forest (no campfire permit is required):
Grindstone Ranger District – Whitlock, Kingsley, Sugarfoot, Three Prong, Ides Cove, Horse Packer, Wells Cabin, Dead Mule, Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Plaskett Meadows, Masterson, Little Stony, Grey Pine, Fouts Springs, Davis Flat, South Fork, North Fork, and Old Mill campgrounds.
Upper Lake Ranger District – Fuller Grove, Fuller Grove Group, Navy Camp, Pogie Point, Oak Flat, Sunset, Middle Creek, Deer Valley, and Penny Pines campgrounds as well as Lake Pillsbury Summer Home Sites.
Covelo Ranger District – Eel River, Little Doe, Howard Lake, Howard Meadows, Atchison, Green Springs, and Hammerhorn Lake campgrounds.
Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may have campfires, charcoal fires or stoves in federally designated wilderness areas and the following designated fire safe recreation sites on the forest:
Grindstone Ranger District – West Crockett, Rocky Cabin and Sugar Springs.
Upper Lake Ranger District – Hunter Camp, Pinnacle Rock Camp, Tar Flat, Milsap Cabin, Graves Cabin, Lakeview Camp, and Pine Point Day Use
Covelo Ranger District – Rock Cabin, Rattlesnake, Post Camp, Grizzly Flat and Patrol Camp.
In all other areas of the forest, lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed as long as the person has a current California Campfire Permit with them. California Campfire Permits are free and 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. They may also be found online at www.preventwildfireca.org.
Temporary fire restrictions are implemented 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.
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
Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest system roads or trails
Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame
Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands. Forest visitors are able to continue riding Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on designated roads and trails, provided that the vehicles are equipped with the required spark arrestors. Spark arrestors are also required on chainsaws being used by people filling valid personal use wood cutting permits and may only be used on designated roads and trails.
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. One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.
