All wood and charcoal fires banned in Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - In a unified move, all fire agencies around the Lake Tahoe Basin have banned all open burning utilizing wood and charcoal for the remainder of the summer, or longer if needed. This includes campgrounds with fire rings, fire pits at homes and all charcoal barbeques whether at home or at public and private facilities.

The suspension takes effect at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2020 and will be enforced with extinguishment and possible citations and fines.

If there is a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Reno, all sources of outdoor open flame would be prohibited, including all outdoor propane (LPG) and Natural Gas fired appliances.

Gas and pellet barbeques are okay to use during non-Red Flag days.

According to Tahoe Douglas Fire Marshal Eric Guevin, his department, South Lake Tahoe Fire, Lake Valley Fire, Cal Fire, North Lake Tahoe Fire, North Tahoe Fire, and Nevada State Parks will all be enforcing the ban starting Friday. California Parks started their ban at West Shore recreation sites Thursday.

After the initial announcement Thursday, the USFS will not part of the Friday restrictions at this time.

“The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is not going into additional restrictions at this time,” said Fire Management Officer, Carrie Thaler. “We are currently working with neighboring forests to assess conditions and we will share any changes to our fire restrictions once a decision has been made.”

Guevin said they are in the process of notifying retail outlets that sell wood and charcoal to inform them of the ban.

Local fire agencies have been sending crews to help fight the fires burning out of in California. The area firefighters and equipment were pressed into action with the 46,386-acre Loyalton Fire still burning and recent 120-acre Rock Farm Fire in Washoe County near the Mt Rose Highway, where two structures were lost. With lightning burst causing several simultaneous smaller fires across the region, all agencies remain busy.

It’s important to understand how quickly these dangerous weather patterns can tax the region’s response system, said Guevin. While fire stations remain fully staffed, they rely heavily on mutual aid partners during these busy times.

"We need the public to exercise caution, follow all restrictions, and remain prepared for emergencies," said Guevin.

According to Federal and State land management officials, the Lake Tahoe area is facing an elevated risk of a severe and potentially catastrophic wildfire season due to drought conditions, dense and dry vegetation, along with other factors. Given the critical threat of wildfires and extreme fire behavior statewide and in the Tahoe Basin, the burn ban became necessary. Statistics in early June showed that of 98 area wildfires; 96 were caused by human activities that could have been prevented.

“While most all of us enjoy a campfire or recreational fire in our backyard, currently, the risk is just too great and this small action can lead to a catastrophic fire endangering the lives, property and the forest!” said Fire Marshal Guevin.

The public can learn more about actions to take to prevent and prepare for wildfire by visiting www.TahoeLivingwithFire.com