Forest Service and South Lake Tahoe Police Urge Safety for 4th of July

The busy 4th of July holiday is just a week away, and with Lake Tahoe's increased crowds, excess traffic, fireworks and dry conditions, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are asking everyone to use caution.

On a typical Independence Day holiday, fireworks cause more fires in the U.S. that all other causes combined according to the National Fire Protection Association. Because of Lake Tahoe's forest and susceptibility to wild land fires, the SLTPD has increased its vigilance in enforcing all fireworks laws to protect public health and safety.

Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Possession of fireworks of any kind, including firecrackers and sparklers, is illegal in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Campfires are not permitted on National Forest beaches or in the general forest. For those planning to barbecue on the beach, bring gas barbeques instead of charcoal. This will help to reduce the danger of wildfire.

The annual alcohol ban will be in effect at Nevada Beach, Zephyr Cove Resort, and Zephyr Shoals (the former Dreyfus Estate) from 6 a.m. to midnight on July 4, 2014. The Forest Order and maps will be posted at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/ForestOrders. Additionally, county and state laws ban the possession or consumption of alcohol on the Truckee River from Tahoe City to Alpine Meadows and Chamber's Landing Beach on the West Shore, beginning July 1 and continuing through July 6. These areas will be patrolled by law enforcement personnel from the Forest Service, Douglas and Placer counties, the Carson City Sheriff’s Department, and private security staff.

California has some of the country's most-stringent fireworks laws. Virtually all fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are termed “dangerous”, and are illegal anywhere in California. The City of South Lake Tahoe Ordinances control firework issues even further. Discharging ANY TYPE of fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, is against the law in the City of South Lake Tahoe. This includes devices such as simple sparklers. There are NO types of legal fireworks in the City of South Lake Tahoe.

In coordination with our community Independence Day Celebration, South Lake Tahoe Police personnel will confiscate any fireworks and issue citations to violators. Most fireworks violations are misdemeanors, punishible by a fine of not less than $500.00 and/or a year in the county jail. Possession of larger style fireworks may be prosecuted as a felony. In the event a fire occurs due to the unsafe use of fireworks, the responsible persons are likely to face criminal charges and be held liable for damages.
Please help us to ensure this Independence Day weekend is safe and enjoyable for everyone.