What you need to know in Lake Tahoe this weekend: No fires allowed, wear a mask

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As tourists fill the Lake Tahoe Basin and locals plan their holiday weekend there are rules that everyone needs to remember - no outside fires with charcoal or wood, and wear a mask.

Although people may want to take a vacation, the pandemic doesn’t so make sure you are following proper safety precautions.

“We all have to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially wearing a mask with the Governor allowing more indoor dining,” said City Manager Joe Irvin. Individuals in South Lake Tahoe face a $100 fine for not wearing a mask and businesses face a $500 fine for allowing staff and customers to be without a mask.

Fire prevention is everyone's responsibility. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) reminds residents and visitors that recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are not permitted on public or private property including residential properties, vacation/short-term rentals, campgrounds, resorts and other recreational areas throughout the Lake Tahoe/Truckee Region until the end of November or until rescinded. Wood pellet smokers/grills are permitted because they burn down to a fine ash that cools off quickly. All charcoal is banned, as it can hold heat for days.

“Although it may seem excessive or inconvenient, the new burn restrictions were put in place for good reason,” said South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Clive Savacool, “Fire danger is extremely high and with all the fires throughout the State, we all need to do our part to keep the Lake Tahoe Basin safe. Any illegal fires need to be reported immediately, for everyone’s safety.”

Hot, dry weather and significant wildfire activity across California and Nevada along with the increase in National Preparedness to the highest level and limited availability of national and regional firefighting resources has prompted the Lake Tahoe/Truckee Region’s fire and land management agencies to implement these enhanced restrictions to protect our communities, wildlife and forests.

Additionally, all sources of outdoor open flames including outdoor gas appliances such as pressurized gas fire pits, grills, and portable stoves are not permitted during Red Flag Warnings. Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service to indicate critical fire weather conditions are occurring or imminent. Outdoor pressurized gas appliances are allowed during non-Red Flag Warning days.

"Despite the crowds and all the City activity, it is important to remember that we are in the middle of a forest,” said Savacool. “Everyone needs to stay alert as to fire conditions and red flag warnings. Know your escape routes out of the Basin should an evacuation be ordered.”

Remember, it’s not a matter “if” the next wildfire will occur, it’s a matter of “when.” Learn how to prepare your home, family, and neighborhood for the next wildfire at https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/.