Fire Restrictions at Lake Tahoe

Fire Restriction Map

The Lake Tahoe Basin is a mix of private and public lands and fire restrictions can vary depending on where you are located. Visit the Tahoe Living With Fire website to view the fire restriction map that includes restrictions for private property administered by local fire districts, California and Nevada state lands, and National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Year-Round Fire Restrictions

National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin are under the following year-round campfire restrictions. Campfires are only permitted in campgrounds listed in Exhibit A of the following Forest Order.

Campfires, Smoking, Internal Combution Engines and Welding

  • Campfires are defined as any fire made with wood, charcoal, pellets or any other solid fuel.
  • Campfires are only permitted within permanently installed iron fire rings and grills in open, designated campgrounds listed in the Forest Orders.
  • Campfires are not allowed in Desolation Wilderness or Meiss Country; along the Pacific Crest or Tahoe Rim trails; in rock fire rings; on National Forest beaches, day-use or picnic areas, trails or trailheads; or in the general forest.
  • Enhanced fire restrictions are implemented when dry conditions lead to increased wildfire danger.
  • Unless restricted, portable stoves and appliances with on/off valves are permitted with a valid permit.
  • Keep your campfire small and be sure all burning material is completely within the metal fire ring.
  • Never leave campfires unattended and be sure to extinguish them completely before going on a hike or going to bed.
  • Always extinguish campfires properly using the soak, stir and feel method. Soak the fire with water, stir with a shovel and carefully feel for any remaining heat with the back of your hand. Repeat as needed and make sure it is cool to the touch before leaving it unattended.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
  • Operating an internal combustion engine; including but not limited to portable generators, off paved, gravel, or dirt National Forest System roads and trails, except within the Sand Pit Off Highway Vehicle Area and boats on a water surface.
  • Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.

Residential Burning

For residential burning on private property regulated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), visit CAL FIRE Burn Permits or contact your local fire district.

How are Fire Restrictions Determined?

Fire danger is determined by the fuel moisture content in an area (the amount of moisture present in the surrounding trees and brush) and by local weather patterns, which include the temperature, the prevailing winds, and the relative humidity. Fire restrictions can generally be expected in the dry, summer months from July into the fall, but can change throughout the year depending on conditions. Restrictions can vary from forest to forest. Please check with the local forest where you are traveling for their current restrictions.