NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Mendocino National Forest officials issued a new area closure for the August Complex effective Saturday, Sept. 19, through Monday, Nov. 30.

This temporary area closure is necessary to protect the firefighters assigned to the August Complex and protect the public from potential injury caused by hazards created by the fires in the August Complex.

Forest Order No. 08-20-13 adjusted the southern boundary of the previous closure to encompass more of the area around Lake Pillsbury.

“The August Complex totals 832,891 acres and is 31 percent contained. Keeping this area closure in place will help keep the public out of harm’s way and fire personnel safe while they continue to work to suppress the fire,” said Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson.

Hunting and recreation within the closure area is prohibited. Evacuation orders and advisories remain in Lake and Mendocino counties.

Residents who need to access their property within the closure area via a Forest System road will require a permit from the US Forest Service. Contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 for more information.

Please be advised that while this order re-opens some campgrounds and recreation sites in the southern portion of the Mendocino, campfires and camp stoves remain prohibited throughout the entire forest per Regional Order 20-11.

Forest Order 08-20-12 and associated exhibits, including the map, are posted on the forest website.

August Complex incident information is posted on InciWeb.

The following recreation sites are open.

Grindstone District

Big Springs Day Use
Davis Flat
Deafy Glade
Fouts
Gray Pine
Letts Lake
Little Stony
Mill Creek
Nail Track
North Fork
South Fork
Wolf Creek
Mill Valley
Old Mill

Upper Lake District

Penny Pines
Middle Creek
Deer Valley

Trailheads

Bathhouse
Bear Wallow
Summit Springs
Windy Point
West Crocket