Tahoe firefighters knock down east shore fire believed to be started by campers

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Engine 344 firefighters are on scene Monday afternoon after a report of a wildfire on Lake Tahoe's east shore.

The Chimney Fire was reported at approximately 1:00 p.m. and is located on National Forest lands south of Chimney Beach near the shoreline. Firefighters have the fire surrounded and have knocked it down. It was reported to be a five-foot by 10-foot fire, said Lisa Herron, spokeswoman for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

Although the fire is under investigation, it appears to be an illegal, abandoned campfire that spread into the duff near some large boulders, said Herron.

Beachgoers are reminded that National Forest lands in the Tahoe Basin are under strict fire restrictions and campfires are only allowed within metal fire rings in developed campgrounds with an onsite host, she said.

Illegal, abandoned campfires not only put our residents, communities, wildlife, and forests at risk, but they also put firefighters at risk as well.

If you see an illegal, abandoned campfire call 911 immediately and please adhere to fire restriction orders and help keep our firefighters safe, she said.

The Lake Tahoe Basin is under a Lake Wind Advisory through 11:00 a.m. Tuesday. A Red Flag Warning is in effect through much of Northern Nevada through 8:00 p.m. Monday