High winds expected Sunday prompt Forest Service fire alert

Fire personnel in the Lake Tahoe Basin have been put on alert for this Sunday because of the possibility of strong winds that could cause a wildland fire to intensify and spread rapidly. Lack of rain or snow has already pushed the fire danger level back to high, and the Forest Service is urging the public to use caution with activities that could start a fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
"We are essentially back in fire season," said Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Fire Chief Kit Bailey in a news release. "We're asking the community to stay alert and keep wildfire prevention in mind as these strong winds approach, along with some of our driest weather on record for this time of year."
Humans are the cause of most wildland fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin, with only four of the 37 wildland fires in 2011 attributed to lightning. Abandoned and illegal campfires remain the number one cause, leading to 14 of 37 fires last year.

Warming fires and campfires are not usually allowed on national forest system lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin, except by permit. Disposal of woodstove and fireplace ashes has also been a concern, leading to two wildland fires and a structure fire so far this winter.
Ashes can remain hot and capable of starting a fire for several days. State and local fire agencies recommend placing ashes in a metal container, which should not be stored in the house or garage, or on any flammable surface, such as a deck. The ashes should cool for at least four days before disposal and any hot spots doused with water, the news release states.