MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST – Fire restrictions on the Mendocino National Forest will be lifted at noon on Wednesday as a result of rain and lower temperatures in the area.

Visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit will once again be able to have fires outside of designated campgrounds, including wilderness areas, officials reported.

The fire restrictions were put in place July 31 due to increased fire danger and hot, dry weather.

Despite the change in weather, fire season is not officially over. Visitors are asked to be careful when using campfires, charcoal fires and gas stoves in the National Forest.

When you have a campfire, please do the following:

• Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of 5 feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire.

• Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires.

• Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.

• Extinguish campfire with water, drowning the fire, stirring the coals and ash, and feeling for heat or warm spots; continue the process until the coals and ash are cold.

Campfire permits are available free of charge from any Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or Cal Fire offices, including the Mendocino National Forest.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316.