Summer fire restrictions in place around Lake Tahoe starting June 26

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - On June 26, 2023, CalFIRE NEU (Nevada, Yuba, and Placer counties) and CalFIRE AEU (Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Eastern Sacramento, and North-Eastern San Joaquin Counties) are suspending burn permits for the season.

This notice normally triggers all local jurisdictions around Lake Tahoe to activate their own restrictions, and it did.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Meeks Bay and North Tahoe Fire Districts, and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District serving the communities of Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada are all starting local fire restrictions on June 26. The outdoor burning of solid fuels is being suspended. The suspension remains in effect for the duration of the fire season.

There are no campfires allowed at Campground by the Lake in South Lake Tahoe.

The round metal camp stoves like the Solo brand, give off little smoke but are still burning wood, so not allowed.

Only Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LPG) outdoor firepits and barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are allowed year-round except during Red Flag/critical fire weather conditions. All of these appliances must be utilized following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Open-flame 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 firework activity should be reported to local law enforcement.

“Our heavy winter allowed us to delay the declaration of fire season by more than a month from the norm,” said North Tahoe Fire Protection District Fire Chief Steve Leighton. “A single heavy winter, despite all its benefits, brings an increase in vegetation growth that leads to a larger fuel load for wildfires when vegetation does dry out. We ask our residents and visitors to follow our seasonal ban on the outdoor burning of wood and charcoal, in addition to doing the work that makes homes resistant to embers and helps make our community more resilient to wildfire. Our firefighters are always working hard to train and prepare for fire season, but it takes all of us working together throughout the season to Protect our Home, Prepare for Wildfire.”

Fire restrictions prohibit the use of solid fuel, which includes charcoal and wood. This also applies to parks and beach charcoal grilling areas, through federal and state land campfire restrictions may differ.

Check the local fire restrictions pertinent to your location.

During Red Flag Warnings around Lake Tahoe, all sources of outdoor open flame, including gas fire pits/grills and pellet grills/smokers are prohibited.