Fire Restrictions Still in Effect in the Tahoe National Forest
Release Date: Jul 1, 2014
Contact(s): Michael Woodbridge
With an increase in visitors over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, recreationists are reminded that fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Tahoe National Forest. Campfires are only permitted within fire rings in designated campgrounds or picnic areas.
In the backcountry, persons with a valid California campfire permit may use a portable stove or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.Campfire permits are available from Forest Service offices during normal business hours and at www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit.
Fireworks are not allowed anywhere on the Tahoe National Forest.
In addition, internal combustion engines must remain on designated roads or trails and smoking should only occur in a developed recreation site, inside a vehicle or within a building. “It is critical that people are fire safe this Fourth of July weekend. Conditions are extremely dry and the weather is expected to remain very warm throughout the long weekend,” said Tom Quinn, Forest Supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest.
Complete information on fire restrictions for the Tahoe National Forest is available here.
Forest visitors are reminded to call 911 if they see smoke associated with a potential wildfire.
Put Out Those Campfires!
The Forest Service reminds campers to carefully put out their campfires. Abandoned campfires remain the top reason for human-caused wildfires in the Tahoe National Forest.
To fully put out a campfire, first douse the fire with plenty of water and watch it. If it hisses, smokes, and steams there is probably live fire still within the campfire grate. The next step is to stir it, exposing the live coals and then douse it again. The stirring and dousing process needs to be repeated until you can place your hand just above the ashes and feel no heat. Too many times, people let their fire burn down, covered with gray ash, and they leave it, thinking it is out. Even if there are no live flames, there could be live coals. Do not shovel dirt on the fire–that just covers the burning embers, which can rekindle if winds pick up. To correctly put out a campfire, you need to start at home before you leave on your trip. Plan to have the right tools with you–a shovel and a large container for water to fully extinguish the campfire.
For more information on fire restrictions or recreation opportunities, contact the Tahoe National Forest Headquarters, (530) 265-4531, Yuba River Ranger Station (530) 288-3231; Sierraville Ranger Station (530) 994-3401; Truckee Ranger Station, (530) 587-3558; or the American River Ranger Station (530) 367-2224. Or visit the forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe/.