Mt. Hood National Forest officials are reminding all those headed to public lands this Fourth of July weekend to take precautions to prevent wildfires and natural resource damage.  While there are currently no campfire restrictions on Mt. Hood National Forest, campers and picnickers are encouraged to always plan carefully before starting a campfire.  Fireworks and explosives are never allowed on national forests, regardless of weather or conditions.  Fireworks are also prohibited on other public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Oregon State Parks, as well as most county and city parks.  If you are planning to have a campfire, please remember to keep your campfire small and away from flammable material, use a designated campfire ring when available, keep water and a shovel nearby, and never leave a campfire unattended.  Completely extinguish your campfire by drowning your fire with water and stirring with a shovel and mke sure your campfire is cold to the touch before leaving it.  Portable fire pits and propane-fueled stoves with an “off” switch are a good alternative to campfires as they can be extinguished quickly.  More information about recreation sites, seasonal road closures, and areas impacted by wildfire damage is available on the Mt. Hood National Forest website.