Illegal campfire at historic site in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Firefighters from the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) responded to the report of another illegal campfire in Lake Tahoe, this time at the Tallac Historic Site on June 17.

LTBMU Engine 341 responded and after a careful inspection, the campfire was declared a wildfire named "The Heritage Fire."

The illegal campfire was constructed on top of a dry stump within the foundation of a historic feature at Tallac Point near Kiva Beach.

“A reminder...campfires are only allowed in designated campgrounds in Lake Tahoe and this particular area is not a campground. It is a protected heritage site with cultural sensitivity,” cautioned LTBMU Fire Chief Kyle Jacobson. “We ask for the public’s help in preventing wildfires and protecting these unique historical sites."

The placement of the illegal campfire on top of the dry stump allowed the fire to burn into the root system where it burned uncontrolled.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire Wednesday and will monitor it for a few days to ensure the root system doesn’t continue to burn and the fire is fully extinguished.

Illegal campfires should immediately be reported to 911. If you see something, say something and help us keep our residents, communities, wildlife, forests and firefighters safe.