Updates on closures and fire restrictions around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has lifted its closure order at Taylor Creek so people are once again allowed into the area around the creek. This is a popular area each fall due to the Kokanee Salmon run and heightened wildlife sightings and was closed to both protect bears and discourage large gatherings. The Visitor Center has seasonally closed.

The LTBMU camping closure has expired and people are allowed to camp overnight in the backcountry. The ban of wood and charcoal fires on LTBMU forest land is in effect until the end of November but the Eldorado National Forest has lifted its restrictions on fires as long as a permit is obtained.

North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Districts have joined South Lake Tahoe and Lake Valley will releasing its local fire restrictions. Tahoe Douglas Fire has no restrictions as well. Charcoal barbeques are allowed but please check your region concerning wood fire pits as they are banned in the South Lake Tahoe city limits. Gas fire pits can require permits, so check your area. Burning of wood and charcoal are never permitted at vacation rentals in eastern Placer County (North Shore) are never permitted.

North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Protection Districts have been revised by the Fire Chief to allow the use of firepits and charcoal barbecues. CAL FIRE has not yet lifted the burn permit suspension that is in place in Placer and El Dorado counties, and residential door yard burning is not currently allowed.

Most of the USFS facilities around Lake Tahoe have closed for the season. Please check ahead to see if the area you are interested in is open.