MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Mendocino National Forest officials are advising the public that access road gates into the closed Ranch fire area will be locked on April 8.

Officials said this is being done to enforce the closure and provide for public safety due to post-fire threats including flooding, debris flows, hazard trees and loss of ingress and egress along roads, trails, recreation areas, and facilities.

Signs also are posted around the Ranch fire area alerting the public to the closure.

Forest Order 08-19-01 closes the Ranch fire area until July 1, 2020.

Only emergency responders, persons with an authorized permit from the Forest Service, owners or lessees of private land, and persons engaged in business, trade, or occupation in the area will be allowed beyond the locked gates.

The Forest Order and maps are posted here.