SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On Monday, June 14, 2026, the Lake Tahoe Regional Fire Chiefs Association declared the official burn ban for the season, along with CalFire.
Each district around the lake will follow the same rules this summer, except for the USFS campgrounds which have different rules when in hosted areas.
South Lake Tahoe
No charcoal use allowed. Outside wood fires, including in fire pits, are never allowed in the City limits. Propane, natural gas, or pellet BBQs, such as a Traeger, are ok.
Lake Valley Fire
Following the suspension of residential burn permits by CAL FIRE, Lake Valley
Fire Protection District isimplementing local fire restrictions effective Monday, June 15, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The restrictions will remain in place for the duration of fire season.
Under the 2022 Fire Code, all open burning and solid-fuel recreational fires are prohibited during fire season. Only Natural Gas (NG) and Propane (LPG) outdoor fire pits, barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are permitted during fire season and must be operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, all outdoor
flame-producing devices, including gas and propane appliances, are prohibited during Red Flag Warnings and other critical fire weather conditions.
Open-flame devices such as tiki torches and all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers are illegal in California year-round.
To report hazardous or illegal campfires, call 9-1-1. Illegal fireworks activity should be reported to local law enforcement at (530) 573-3000.
Red Flag Warnings and Watches for the Tahoe Basin are issued by the National Weather Service Reno.
Residents are encouraged to take steps now to prepare their homes and properties for wildfire:
- Maintain at least 5 feet of noncombustible space around structures.
- Keep the area within 30 feet of your home Lean, Clean, and Green.
- Remove dead or dying vegetation within 100 feet of structures.
- Landscape with fire-resistant plants.
- Use chipping programs or green waste collection services to dispose of vegetation.
For information about defensible space, wildfire preparedness, and evacuation planning, visit TahoeLivingWithFire.com.
North Lake Tahoe
North Tahoe Fire Protection District and Alpine Springs County Water District are implementing local fire restrictions effective Monday, June 15, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The restrictions will remain in place for the duration of the fire season. No wood or charcoal burning allowed.
U.S. Forest Service
A friendly reminder, on National Forest lands at Lake Tahoe, campfires (including wood, charcoal, or any other solid fuels) are only permitted within permanent, iron fire rings in campgrounds listed in Exhibit A of the Forest Order. Learn more here.
Campfires are not permitted:
- in Desolation Wilderness or Meiss Country,
- along the Pacific Crest or Tahoe Rim trails,
- on National Forest beaches, day-use or picnic areas, trails or trailheads,
- in rock fire rings or in the general forest.
Unless restricted, portable stoves and appliances with on/off switches or valves are permitted with a valid permit.
Be aware that fire restrictions on private, local and state lands may vary. Visit the Tahoe Living With Fire website to view the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team map of fire restrictions around the Tahoe Basin.