fire pits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A burn ban in the Lake Tahoe Basin was put in place this summer in response to the unprecedented and extreme fire conditions in California. While there were no major fires in the Basin there were record setting acres burned across the state.

A ban of charcoal barbeques, wood fire pits and open burning was but in place along with extra bans during Red Flag Warning conditions.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin must close at 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 7 due to the unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions and extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit.

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has announced the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts:

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As tourists fill the Lake Tahoe Basin and locals plan their holiday weekend there are rules that everyone needs to remember - no outside fires with charcoal or wood, and wear a mask.

Although people may want to take a vacation, the pandemic doesn’t so make sure you are following proper safety precautions.

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.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds for Monday, July 27 from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

Normally, the Basin averages six Red Flag Warnings per season, and this makes four - and it's still July. Please remember all outdoor sources of open flame are prohibited until the Red Flag Warning declaration expires, and that includes gas/propane fire pits and grills.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire season is upon us and many restrictions are now in effect where outdoor burning, campfires, and fire pits are concerned. 2020 started out with the driest February on record since the 1850s, and there is an increased fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region.

It is important to understand that with all of the different fire areas around Lake Tahoe, there are different rules.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The popular Heavenly Holidays has returned to the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. This family-friendly event runs until December 31.

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.

All winter long, Sierra at Tahoe and Lake Tahoe Aleworx are sponsoring Sierra Cinemas, movies under the stars and next to the fire pits at The Crossing in South Lake Tahoe.

This Saturday, December 16, there are two movies for everyone of all ages to enjoy for free. Sierra Avalanche Dogs will be the beneficiary of fundraising efforts during the evening.

Starting at 5:00 p.m., "Christmas Vacation" by National Lampoon will be on the screen, followed by “Tight Loose” by Teton Gravity Research.

Ever think of watching movies outside during the winter in Lake Tahoe? Now is your opportunity to gather around the fire pits at The Crossing in South Lake Tahoe and watch holiday movies, ski and snowboard movie premieres, participate in fundraisers and have fun with raffle prizes, all part of the new Sierra Cinemas.

Starting Sunday, December 3, Sierra-at-Tahoe, FNCTN and Lake Tahoe AleworX start December off right with "The Polar Express." Its a free, community event in the courtyard at Lake Tahoe AleworX.

Movie Nights:

When: Sunday, 12/3 at 5:00 p.m.
Cause: Boys & Girls Club

During their first summer of sales, 39 of the 46 available contracts to buy a luxury condominium home at the Tahoe Beach Club sold for a total of $85 million.

This development at the end of Kahle Drive in Stateline, Nevada is the first full ownership lakefront in 30 years at Lake Tahoe. They are being built on land that was once a trailer park.

Homebuyers have been mostly from the Bay Area, Southern California, Texas and New York areas.

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - Renovations on the former Factory Stores at the Y are now complete, unveiling a brand new shopping destination and contemporary lifestyle center in the heart of South Lake Tahoe named The Crossing at Tahoe Valley.

Depending on where you live on the South Shore, you may be able to have a wood fire in your outdoor fire pit, or, maybe not.

Restrictions differ between Tahoe Douglas Fire Department and the City of South Lake Tahoe and Lake Valley Fire Departments.

Cal Fire and the U.S Forest Service also have fire regulations to be aware of.

A multi-million dollar remodel of the old Green Lantern Motel in South Lake Tahoe has been completed, and emerging out of the dust is the new and trendy Coachman Hotel.

Doors will open to the public on Wednesday, March 23.

The new owners of the hotel, Peter and Justin Watzka, bring with them years of hotel and hospitality management. Peter was the Executive VP of Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and VP of Marketing for Marriott Vacation Club International, while Justin was previously a director with Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Vacation Clubs in Florida and Asia.

Fire pits. The outdoor means to a perfect s'more and good conversation around a fire on a cool summer evening. But, in the midst of a drought are they safe? Are they legal when fire restrictions are in place?

There are three fire district jurisdictions just in South Lake Tahoe, along with the U.S. Forest Service, and they all have different rules concerning the backyard fire pit. One thing they all do share is for residents and visitors to be smart about fire and to not be careless.

"You have to adapt to changes in life or you won't survive," John Rice told a crowd at Wednesday's 'Tahoe Talks' held at LTCC.

"Change is happening, clearly we're in a drought, whether it's here for short term, or long term, time will tell," said Rice, the VP and General Manager of Sierra-at-Tahoe. "The ski industry has the most to lose in a drought."

Nothing like returning to your hometown with a bang in the midst of the biggest thing to happen in South Lake Tahoe in quite some time. Jonathan Snyder, a 1991 graduate of South Tahoe High, returned to his roots Wednesday as the Executive Chef at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Snyder greeted the media on Wednesday during the media tours of the hotel, restaurants and casino.

Model and television personality Heidi Klum hit the red carpet in South Lake Tahoe Saturday night to help celebrate the opening of the new luxury hotel, The Landing. She was joined by 10 time Grammy award winner Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, local business owners and associates.

The party highlighted what the hotel is bringing to the south shore: a 5 star boutique property with high end amenities, a beautiful onyx bar, a restaurant under the direction of a celebrated British chef, fire pits as well as a new wedding and event venue.

Sierra-at-Tahoe® Resort has invested $5 million into a new facility located at the base of the mountain transforming the current skier services area into a mecca for gathering and services that improve the overall skier/boarder experience.

The Tahoe Regional Young Professionals will roast s’mores by the fire and sample fondue, soups and hearty treats at Basecamp Hotel’s recently opened bar, Dec. 12 from 7 – 10 p.m.

The previously announced transaction between KSL Capital Partners and JMA Ventures which joins Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows under one operating company has officially closed. This announcement affirms that skiers and riders can access Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows’ 6,000 acres, 44 lifts and over 270 trails on one lift ticket or season pass. The two resorts will be connected by convenient, complimentary shuttles that will provide transportation between the two resorts.

“Since announcing the merger, the Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley joint pass products –the Tahoe Super Pass and Tahoe Super Six, and Squaw Valley’s $50 million Renaissance, the response from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive” said Andy Wirth, Squaw Valley’s president and CEO.“The opportunity to experience these two incredible mountains, each with their own unique spirit and character, through one pass and one ticket has resonated deeply with our guests,” said Wirth. Wirth will take the helm as the president and CEO of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, LLC, the newly formed parent company of both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.