Illegal campfires an issue in Lake Tahoe area forests and campgrounds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as the Eldorado National Forest managers announced last week, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) of the National Forest Service said they too have seen the same record increase in illegal campfires.

Year-round fire restrictions are in place for Lake Tahoe. This means campfires and charcoal are only allowed within metal fire rings in designated campgrounds like Fallen Leaf or Nevada Beach. Campfires and charcoal are not allowed in Desolation Wilderness or Meiss Country; along the Tahoe Rim Trail or Genoa Peak Road; in any existing rock fire rings; on National Forest beaches; or in the general forest. Portable pressurized gas stoves with an on/off switch are only allowed in all areas for those with a valid California Campfire Permit obtainable online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/.

“We have seen an increase of illegal campfires on National Forest lands in the Tahoe Basin, which poses a dire threat to our communities, wildlife and forests.” said LTBMU Public Affairs Specialist Lisa Herron. “Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility and we need the public to do their part by following fire restrictions and only building campfires in approved locations.”

In California, 95 percent of all wildfires are human caused. To help ensure firefighters are available to safely respond & manage fires, the Forest Service implemented the statewide fire restrictions campfires are not allowed outside of developed campgrounds. Obey restrictions and do your part to prevent wildfires.

Reminders:

· Year-round and seasonal fire restrictions remain in effect on National Forest lands in the Tahoe Basin. View the order at https://go.usa.gov/xVDZw.

· Hotspots (no pun intended) for illegal campfire activity include Desolation Wilderness; Meiss Country; along the Tahoe Rim Trail; and Blackwood Canyon and Watson Lake campgrounds.

· Campfires (wood and charcoal) are only allowed within metal fire rings and provided grills in designated campgrounds with an onsite host.

· Portable gas stoves with an on/off switch are allowed in all areas with a valid CA Campfire Permit. Get one online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/.