Forest Service lifts enhanced fire restrictions at Lake Tahoe

Thanks to recent precipitation, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has lifted enhanced fire restrictions on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Although the LTBMU has lifted the restrictions imposed last June due to extremely dry conditions, year-round camping and campfire restrictions remain in effect.

Under year-round camping and campfire restrictions, wood and charcoal fires are only permitted within metal rings and grills in developed recreation sites, most of which are now closed for winter. Unless restricted, portable pressurized gas stoves and appliances with an on/off valve are permitted with a valid California Campfire Permit. The year-round Camping and Campfire Restriction Forest Order can be found at go.usa.gov/xexun. California Campfire Permits may be obtained online at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/.

Information about private and state land fire restrictions, regulated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), is available at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/current-burn-status/.

South Lake Tahoe and Lake Valley fire departments updated their restrictions last week:

South Lake Tahoe: Charcoal and pellet BBQs are allowed. Propane/Gas BBQs are allowed. Wood fires are allowed at Campground by the Lake. Open wood fires are never allowed in the city at any time except at the Campground by the Lake. This includes outside fire pits.

Lake Valley Fire: All burn restrictions are lifted and fire pits and barbeques are allowed.

More information about LTBMU fire restrictions is available at go.usa.gov/xexuV.

As a reminder, the Caldor Fire Closure Order remains in effect to ensure public safety due to ongoing hazards within the Caldor Fire perimeter. The Caldor Fire Closure Order and map are posted on the LTBMU home page at www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu.