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Fire restrictions in effect
Fire restrictions are currently in effect due to increased risk of fire starts. The combination of dry fuels, low humidity and high temperatures create conditions that elevate risk of ignition and rapid fire spread. No campfires, open campfires or stove fires if you are dispersed camping. Campfires are allowed only with a valid campfire permit if you are in a designated fire safe recreation site or a wilderness area (see Exhibit A for list of fire safe campgrounds and Exhibit B for wilderness areas).
Alert Start Date: July 28, 2026
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 08-26-08
Contact Information
Contact Name: Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office
Contact Number: (530) 934-3316
Contact Email: sm.fs.mendopao@usda.gov
Associated Documents
Forest Order
FOREST ORDER NO. 08-26-08
USDA FOREST SERVICE
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST
FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Mendocino National Forest. This Order is effective from July 28, 2026, through December 1, 2026.
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or within the Designated Fire Safe Recreation Sites shown in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
- Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads or trails. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(g).
- Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b).
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Persons with a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
- Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed in this Order. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel. Additionally, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may build, maintain, attend or use a fire, campfire, or stove fire in the Designated Fire Safe Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A, as well as in federally designated Wilderness Areas as shown on Exhibit B.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting 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.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.
Executed in Willows, California on this 27th day of July 2026.
/Wade McMaster/
Forest Supervisor
Mendocino National Forest
FOREST ORDER NO. 08-26-08
USDA FOREST SERVICE
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST
FIRE RESTRICTIONS
EXHIBIT A
Designated Fire Safe Recreation Sites
(Campfire Permit required)
Grindstone Ranger District
Three Prong Campground, Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, Letts Lake Campground, Big Springs Day Use Area, Grey Pine Campground, Mill Creek Campground, Fouts Springs Campground, Davis Flat Campground, South Fork Campground, North Fork Campground, Old Mill Campground, Black Bear Campground, Del Harleson Campground, One Bee Campground, Mill Valley Campground, Dixie Glade Campground, Sugar Springs Campground, Sugarfoot Glade Campground, Whitlock Campground, Kingsley Glade Campground, Toomes Camp Campground, Ides Cove Horsepacker Campground and Backpacker Trail Head, Masterson Campground, Plasket Meadow Day Use Area, Little Stony Campground, Wilson Camp Campground, Green Flat Campground, Pacific Ridge Campground, West Crockett Campground, Green Springs Campground, Board Camp Summer Homes Track, Snow Basin Summer Homes Track, Wells Cabin Campground, and Brewer Oak Campground.
Upper Lake Ranger District
Fuller Grove Campground, Fuller Grove Group Campground, Navy Camp Campground, Pine Mountain Lookout, Pogie Point Campground, Oak Flat Campground, Sunset Campground, Middle Creek Campground, Deer Valley Campground, Penny Pines Campground, Lake Pillsbury Summer Home Sites, Pine Mountain Hunter Camp (Road 17N23 and 18N29 junction), Dry Oak Camp (N 39’14.648 W122’51.058) and Lakeview Camp (N 39’06.157 W 122’ 45.435).
Covelo Ranger District
Eel River Campground, Little Doe Campground, Howard Lake Campground, Howard Meadows Campground, Atchison Campground, Green Springs Campground, Grizzly Flat Campground.