LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Effective Monday, June 23, 2025, fire restrictions are in place for the City of South Lake Tahoe until further notice.  No charcoal or wood fires are permitted during this time. The use of natural gas (NG), propane (LPG), or pellet BBQ grills, smokers, and firepits are permissible unless a red flag warning is issued. 

“We ask that residents and visitors follow these fire restrictions to help minimize the potential of fire starts,” said Fire Chief Jim Drennan. “With the increase in dry fuels and high temperatures, there is a significant risk for fire danger and this is one way to prevent wildfires.”

As a reminder, during a red flag warning or critical fire weather conditions, open flames are not allowed which includes natural gas, propane, and pellet BBQ grills, smokers, and firepits.  Additionally, open flame devices such as tiki torches and fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, are prohibited in California year-round. If you witness the illegal use of fireworks or campfires, please call 911.

LAKE VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT PROHIBITS ALL OPEN BURNING AND RECREATIONAL FIRES

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the CALFIRE AEU suspended burn permits for the season, and on Monday, June 23, 2025, CALFIRE NEU followed suit, resulting in full suspension of residential burn permits in the Tahoe Basin. These are the triggers that prompt Lake Valley Fire Protection District jurisdictions to activate local fire restrictions by suspending all solid fuel recreational fires and open burning. The suspension takes effect Monday, June 23, 8:00 AM and will remain in effect throughout the remainder of the fire season.

Following the adoption of the 2022 Fire Code, ONLY Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LPG) outdoor firepits, barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are allowed year-round except during Red Flag/critical fire weather conditions. All these appliances must be utilized following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Openflame devices such as tiki torches and all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, are illegal in
California year-round. For reports of hazardous/illegal campfires, people should call 9-1-1, and illegal fireworks activity should be reported to local law enforcement.
All sources of open flames, including Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LPG) outdoor firepits, barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are prohibited during Red Flag/critical fire weather conditions. Red Flag Watches and Warnings of critical fire weather in the Tahoe Basin are issued by the National Weather Service,Reno.

Here are some tips to help prepare homes and properties for wildfire:

  • Maintain at least 5 feet free of combustible material around each structure.
  • For a distance of at least 30 feet from a home, keep the area Lean, Clean, and Green.
  • Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from all structures.
  • Landscape with fire-resistant plants.
  • Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris through chipping or green waste collection opportunities.
  • For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, tips to prevent wildfires, and ways to prepare for emergencies and evacuations, visit www.TahoeLivingWithFire.com.

TAHOE DOUGLAS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Summer fire restrictions will be in effect June 23, 2025 for the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District serving the communities of the Tahoe Township area until further notice. Fire restrictions prohibit all open burning.

Please note that federal and state lands campfire restrictions may differ. Check the local fire restrictions pertaining to your location.

This is also a reminder during RED FLAG WARNINGS all sources of outdoor open flame, including gas, fire pits, grills and pellet grill/smokers are prohibited.

The national weather service Reno issues,  RED FLAG WARNINGS to alert, land management officials and fire agencies when there is the potential of critical weather that could lead to wildfire activity.

Prepare for wildfire and maintain your defensible space. Sign up for our chipping and defensible space inspection services. To learn more about how to prepare for wildfire and home hardening please visit Tahoe Living With Fire. Please sign up for a reverse 911 and Perimeter to register for the emergency alert notification in Douglas County.

SUMMER FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR INCLINE VILLAGE & CRYSTAL BAY, NV

Seasonal Open Burning (wood, slash, or needle piles) closed May 31, 2024.

Recreational fires (wood or charcoal fire within a non-combustible container with a 1/8” mesh screen) are still allowed with a permit. Please note, however, that recreational fires are not permissible on short-term rental properties.

Barbeque grilling (natural gas, propane, charcoal) is still allowed. All grilling appliances shall be used within the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations. This also includes smokers and pellet stoves.

Follow these simple safety tips when using solid-fuel, charcoal, or propane grills.

  • Propane, charcoal, and other solid-fuel grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed far away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Charcoal Grills:

  • Charcoal grills are prohibited on combustible surfaces.
  • There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
  • If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
  • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
  • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
  • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. Contact the Fire District for a free ash can (residents will need to have some type of wood-burning heating appliance to be considered for the program). To obtain a free ash can, residents may fill out an application at the Fire District Administration Office, 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village. If the required criteria are met, an ash can will be provided.

Propane Grills:

  • Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
  • Apply light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
  • If your grill has a gas leak, by smell, or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately leave the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
  • If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.

Please note: no open flame of any kind is allowed during Red Flag Warnings. Fire restrictions may differ on Federal land.

For more information please visit www.nltfpd.org/outdoor-burning.