New fire restrictions are now in effect across the North Tahoe area as fire season gets underway.
North Tahoe Fire Protection District and Alpine Springs County Water District implemented the restrictions at 8 a.m. Monday following the suspension of residential burn permits by CAL FIRE. The restrictions will remain in place for the duration of fire season.
Under the 2022 Fire Code, all open burning and solid fuel recreational fires are prohibited during fire season.
Natural gas and propane outdoor fire pits, barbecues, and pellet grills or smokers are still permitted during fire season but must be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, all outdoor wood or charcoal burning fire pits, chimineas, smokers, and BBQ devices are suspended until further notice.
Fire officials say that all forms of flame-producing devices, including gas and propane appliances, are prohibited during Red Flag Warnings and other critical fire weather conditions.
Open flame devices such as tiki torches and all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, are illegal in California year-round.
People are encouraged to report hazardous or illegal campfires by calling 911. Illegal fireworks activity should be reported to local law enforcement at (530) 886-5375.
Red Flag Warnings and Watches for the Tahoe Basin are issued by the National Weather Service Reno.
Fire officials are also urging residents to prepare their homes and properties for wildfire by maintaining at least 5 feet of noncombustible space around structures, keeping the area within 30 feet of homes lean, clean and green, removing dead or dying vegetation within 100 feet of structures, landscaping with fire-resistant plants and using chipping programs or green waste collection services to dispose of vegetation.
Additional information about defensible space, wildfire preparedness, and evacuation planning is available at TahoeLivingWithFire.com.
