Forest Service: Dispose woodstove and fireplace ash properly

By Cheva Heck
South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management is cautioning local residents to follow proper procedures for discarding woodstove and fireplace ashes, after responding to two wildfires caused by disposal of woodstove ashes on National Forest System lands.

In two separate incidents in communities off Pioneer Trail on Lake Tahoe's South Shore, residents dumped their woodstove ashes onto national forest system lands just beyond their property boundary. Forest Service and Lake Valley Fire Department firefighters were able to contain both fires, which were reported by neighbors, at less than a quarter acre each. Neither house had defensible space, and the resulting wildfires could have destroyed the home or adjacent structures. The residents can be cited for "negligently placing any material that could start a fire," which carries a $350 fine. They also can be held responsible for the costs of fire suppression.

"The change in our weather doesn't mean we can stop paying attention to fire prevention," said LTBMU fire prevention officer Beth Brady. "Woodstove ashes can retain enough heat to start a fire in your home or surrounding forest for many days after you think your fire's out."

State and local fire agencies recommend placing ashes in a metal container, which should not be stored in the house or garage, or any flammable surface, such as a deck. The ashes should cool for at least four days before final disposal, and any hot spots doused with water.

- Cheva Heck is the Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. She can be reached at check@fs.fed.us