MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – During Wildfire Preparedness Week, the Mendocino National Forest reminds the public that while firefighters are hard at work preparing for wildfires, they need members of the public to do their part more than ever in preventing human-caused fires.

Following a dry fall and winter, drought is emerging and expanding across California, specifically the northern part of the state.

Long-range forecast data predicts overall warmer and drier than average conditions this spring for the West.

Conduct your fuels reduction and defensible space work now and keep it maintained. Maintaining a defensible space requires routine upkeep, including pruning and removing dead branches and leaves.

Make sure to do your fuels reduction during cooler mornings, when the humidity is higher. Do not leave any burning debris piles unattended. A responsible adult is required by law to be in attendance until the fire is out.

Twenty-five percent of human-caused fires are from unattended campfires. Remember these campfire tips:

– Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions.
– Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.
– Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
– Never leave your campfire unattended.
– Never build a campfire on a windy day.
– To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it’s out cold.
– Every campfire will be put dead out before leaving.

The safety of the public, communities and all front-line responders remains the highest priority for all wildland fire agencies. Fewer human-caused fires help protect communities.

“We need you to be extra cautious this year with any kind of ignition source, whether using a campfire, welding torch, a lantern or smoking. One less spark could mean one less preventable wildfire,” forest officials said.