California National Forests prepare for incoming critical fire weather

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is augmenting staff and pre-positioning firefighting resources across the Lake Tahoe Basin, preparing for predicted critical fire weather over the weekend and into next week.

“We are committed to quick, aggressive response to fire starts on Forest Service managed land and stand ready to provide assistance to our partners. To do this, we’re planning ahead — to pre-position firefighting resources strategically for the most efficient response,” said Pacific Southwest Region Fire Director, Jaime Gamboa.

Both northern and southern California are expected to experience critical fire weather this weekend. Record high temperatures have caused vegetation to dry rapidly, especially in low- to mid-elevation ecosystems. Monsoon moisture is expected to move into the area from the Southwest, slightly lowering temperatures. But a heightened possibility for thunderstorms through the weekend raises the likelihood for widespread lightning Saturday night into Sunday. This is expected to be followed by a return to extremely hot temperatures.

The Forest Service asks the public to remain diligent about preventing human-caused fire starts, which can pull resources from lightning fires.

- Use caution when parking, avoid dry grass, and use caution when towing and mowing.

- Make sure campfires are completely out before vacating campsites (not all areas are allowing campfires, so check ahead).

- Adhere to posted campfire restrictions.

In addition to year-round restricted areas on the LTBMU, enhanced fire restrictions began yesterday, July 11, 2024, on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin and will remain in effect through Dec. 1, 2024, or until rescinded. View the Forest Order and news release.

Enhanced fire restrictions mean campfires (wood, charcoal, pellets, or any solid fuel) are only permitted within open, developed campgrounds within the permanently installed campfire pits and permanently installed barbecue grills listed in the Forest Order. Under these enhanced restrictions, campfires are now prohibited in Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake backcountry campgrounds.

Regional fire information is available on forest social media sites, as well as inciweb.wildfire.gov.