MENDOCINO NATIONAL FORES, Calif. – The employees of the Mendocino National Forest want to remind visitors to have a safe July 4 holiday, especially while recreating in the forest.

“We want everyone to have a safe and memorable Fourth of July, especially those joining us on the forest,” said Forest Supervisor Sherry Tune. “We have been very fortunate not to have a large fire on the forest since 2008 and would like to ask visitors to help us maintain that this fire season by being careful during their visit.”

With conditions warming up and drying out, visitors are asked to be careful with fire in the National Forest, including campfires, gas stoves and lanterns.

Fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on the Mendocino National Forest.

The forest currently isn’t under any fire restrictions. However, with fuel moisture levels dropping, the forest anticipates entering fire restrictions as early as the middle of next week.

Upon entering fire restrictions, notice will be posted at recreation sites throughout the forest. Visitors are asked to be aware if fire restrictions start during their visit over the holiday.

Nighttime temperatures are generally cooler in the mountains, and even during summer there is the possibility of storms in the mountains.

Visitors should be prepared for changing conditions. Bring layered clothing and plenty of food and water on your outdoor adventure. Tell someone where you are planning on going, which routes you plan on taking and when you plan on being back.

With the holiday in the middle of the work week, visitors may also notice traffic from forest project work, including road maintenance and ecological restoration projects.

All Mendocino National Forest offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4, in observance of the holiday.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .