Fire restrictions in place around Lake Tahoe - Know what is allowed

There are important regulations to be aware of when visiting and living in Lake Tahoe, and not all jurisdictions have the same rules.

City of South Lake Tahoe

No outside fires are allowed in the City unless it is a cooking fire with charcoal in a barbecue or in a fire pit with gas piped in, or one that uses liquid petroleum. Anything that creates embers is banned, including wood burning fire pits and backyard bonfires.

Even if wood fire pit has mesh lid, it is banned. No open burning is allowed at this time, including the burning of pine needles are yard debris.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District and North Tahoe Fire Protection District

LVFPD and NTFPD allow cooking fires in an enclosure (fire pit, barbecue) by the homeowner. If the person having the fire in the enclosure is a long or short term renter, they need to have permission from the owner (and letter in their possession). Open pile burning is not allowed at this time.

Properly screened wood burning outdoor fireplace or chiminea, LPG or LNG portable outdoor fireplace or BBQ are allowed if at least 15 feet away from the house. Fuel area 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District

Cooking fires are allowed by TDFPD unless it is a high risk/red flag days. When there are no fire restrictions, Be mindful of the conditions and be smart when using fire.

Developed campgrounds can have fires, like Nevada Beach and Zephyr Cove. The use of an outdoor cooking appliance is okay if it has screening and other safety measures, unless fires are banned at the time due to wind. Recreational fires are okay in backyards as long as there is suppression ability nearby (shovel and sand, water).

Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 30 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 30 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

Recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with section 906 (of the IFC) with a minimum 4A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck shall be available for immediate utilization.

TDFPD personnel are authorized and have extinguishing authority in circumstances where hazardous situations and reckless conditions/actions could result in the ignition or spread of fire.

Outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is contained in an appropriate approved appliance, permanent barbecue, portable barbecue, outdoor fireplace, incinerator, or grill and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

Campgrounds

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has camping and campfire use regulations year-round on National Forest System lands within the Lake Tahoe Basin.

“Illegal campfires pose a serious risk to our neighborhoods and communities and are the cause of over 90 percent of wildfires in the Tahoe Basin,” said Jeff Marsolais, LTBMU forest supervisor. “We need everyone’s help to prevent these unwanted fires and keep our communities safe.”

Campfires and charcoal fires are only allowed in metal fire rings or standup grills provided in designated recreation sites listed in Exhibit B of Forest Order 19-17-03. These areas include Forest Service campgrounds, resorts and day-use areas only.

Gas or propane stoves are allowed in all areas with a free valid California Campfire Permit, available at any Forest Service office.

Camping is only allowed in the areas listed in Exhibit A of the Forest Order. There is a maximum limit per calendar year of 14 days. These areas include Forest Service campgrounds and resorts; within 300 feet of the McKinney-Rubicon Springs Road (14N34) from its intersection with the OHV staging area, then west to its intersection with the boundary of the Tahoe National Forest; Buck Lake; Blackwood Canyon, Watson Lake and Luther Pass campgrounds; within 300 feet of the Tahoe Rim Trail; Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail from its intersection with the southern boundary of the LTBMU; Meiss Management area; Mt. Rose Wilderness; within 300 feet of Genoa Peak Road (14N32) from its intersection with White Hill Spur Road (14N32A) then south to its second intersection with Logan House Loop Road (14N33); and within Desolation Wilderness with a valid wilderness permit.

Forest Order Number 19-17-03 is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd544193.pdf.
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