Tahoe Douglas Fire allowing homeowners to have backyard charcoal and wood fires with permit and inspection

Lake Tahoe area fire agencies released their 2022 Fire Restrictions for the season, and for the most part, are on the same page. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) allows residents to have backyard wood or charcoal fires with both an inspection and permit.

On a Red Flag day, permit or not, no fires are allowed.

TDFPD Fire Marshal Eric Guevin said by requiring an inspection and permit they are able to ensure the location and surrounding area of the home's BBQ or fire pit is safe and protected.

Not all homes will be approved and Guevin said approval is on a case-by-case basis. To date, they have issued five permits after an inspection.

The permits are for property owners only if conditions are safe, and cannot be used at a home permitted as a Vacation Home Rental (VHR). The permit will be for the homeowner/property owner only.

Two of the permits issued so far are at the 4-H Camp at Stateline, and on the homeowners association beach at Elks Point.

There is no charge to the homeowner to have the inspection or permit. Guevin said the homeowners are responsible, and if flame lengths go beyond what was approved, or any other non-permitted uses, the permit will be revoked.

For those in the TDPFD area (Douglas County at Lake Tahoe), call 775.588.3591 to schedule an inspection. Once the inspection is completed and the area is deemed safe, a permit will be issued.

South Lake Tahoe Fire, Lake Valley Fire, North Tahoe/Meeks Bay Fire, and North Lake Tahoe Fire have all banned the use of wood and charcoal at homes due to the high fire concern. State Parks and USFS-LTBMY allow campfires in hosted campgrounds where a fire ring is present. Gas and pellet barbeques are allowed in all of the fire districts.