Fire restrictions begin today in the Lake Tahoe Basin
Submitted by editor on Thu, 06/26/2014 - 8:53am
Fire restrictions go into effect in the Lake Tahoe Basin beginning today, Thursday, June 26. Campfires and charcoal barbecues will be restricted to designated recreation sites, and other fire-related activities will be prohibited until the end of fire season.
“With record drought conditions in the West, agencies in both California and Nevada are anticipating increased fire activity,” said Fire Management Officer, Kit Bailey. “Fire restrictions help reduce the possibility of accidental human caused fires.”
On National Forest System land fire restrictions mean:
— No open fires or campfires are allowed outside of designated recreation sites even with a valid campfire permit. Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid campfire permit.
— No possessing or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic device.
— No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site.
— No welding, or operating acetylene or any other torch with an open flame.
— No operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and maintained in effective working order.
In addition, campfires are prohibited in all semi-developed sites such as Luther Pass, Blackwood Canyon, and Watson Lake campgrounds, as well as in all dispersed recreation locations, such as the Meiss backcountry area on Luther Pass and the Freel Peak roadless area on the southeast end of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Forest users should obtain specific information about restrictions and the area they are visiting before venturing out.
The fire restriction Forest Order is posted at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/ForestOrders.
For more information, visit the fire restriction webpage at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/FireRestrictions or call 530-543-2694, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., or the Taylor Creek Visitor Center at 530-543-2674 on weekends and holidays.
