South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue reminds public of charcoal fire restrictions at some dwellings

As we enter the season of outdoor recreation and barbeques, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue reminds the public of a California state fire code that restricts the use of charcoal barbeques in multi-family units.

Single homes and duplexes can have a charcoal barbeque but apartments and condominiums may not have open flame cooking devices on decks or balconies unless they are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

California State Fire Code Section 308.1.4 cites: Open flame cooking devices, charcoal burners, and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Exceptions:
1. One and two-family dwellings.
2. Where buildings, balconies, and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
3. Liquefied petroleum (LP and propane) gas-fueled cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds (1 pound LP-gas capacity)”

What does this mean?

If you live in a house or a duplex, charcoal use is ok. If you live in a multi-family dwelling such as an apartment building, you may not use charcoal, but can use small propane tank grills or electric grills.

Please note: No outdoor BBQs are allowed of any kind AT ALL at any dwelling on Red Flag Days.

You can find out if it’s a Red Flag day by going to the City of South Lake Tahoe website, the Fire Dept Facebook page, local Weather pages, and the Cal Fire Weather page online.

If you have questions about BBQ regulations or need clarification on what you can or cannot use, you may call SLTFR administration headquarters at 530-542-6160 during normal business hours.