Forest extends Ranch Fire area closure 
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Mendocino National Forest
825 N. Humboldt Ave.
Willows, CA 95988
530-934-3316
www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino
Twitter: @MendocinoNF
Contact: Punky Moore (530) 934-1137
email: [email protected]
Forest extends Ranch Fire area closure
WILLOWS, Calif. — March 14, 2019 – Mendocino National Forest officials are issuing a new Forest Order for the Ranch Fire area and locking gates to enforce the area closure. Forest Order No. 08-19-01 is effective from March 13, 2019 until July 1, 2020.
The amount of work that needs to be done before the fire area is reasonably safe to open is immense. Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson explains, “This wet winter is delaying our efforts to begin the hazard tree management work needed to provide a safe transportation system in the fire area. We appreciate your patience while we continue the recovery and restoration process.”
Post-fire threats for the public, residents of private lands & agency personnel include flooding, debris flows, hazard trees and loss of ingress and egress along roads, trails, recreation areas, and facilities.
While the large Ranch Fire area remains closed, there are over 600,000 acres of the Forest for people to explore when summer arrives. Campgrounds in the northern portion of the Forest generally open around Memorial Day weekend.
The maximum possible penalty for a violation is up to a $5,000 fine, six months incarceration or both. Forest Order No. 08-19-01 supersedes Order No. 08-18-17 dated November 22, 2018. The order and maps are here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd613899.pdf
Address/Location
Lake County CA Sheriff's Department
1220 Martin St
Lakeport, CA 95453
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-263-2690