last updated 26 July 2023
Seasonal Fire Restrictions usually go into effect from the end of May to the middle of October.
In 2023 it went from the end of June (because of the record snowfall).
They will be in effect until November according to Tahoe Weekly
What is allowed are
- LPG or Natural Gas firepits
- Propane, Natural Gas or Pellet Barbecues
The latest flyer, which describes what is allowed during restrictions was 2021. The NTFD said this is still current.
Fire Restrictions Flyer
RED FLAG FIRE WWARNING
This banner nay be displayed at various locations along Hwy 89.
Red Flag Warnings are forecast warnings issued by the United States National Weather Service when warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger within 24 hours.
During Red Flag critical fire weather, any type of outdoor open flames are banned. This includes gas, propane or pellet BBQs and smokers.
See
Red Flag Warning |Tahoe City| ntfire.net
In 2022 there were no red flag warnings for the first time in 11 years,
The following came from A page dedicated to red flag warning that has the following information that you can print and have in your home
Red Flag Warning |Tahoe City| ntfire.net
The fire pit in the yard with the table over it is not to be used at any time without a personal campfire permit.
Additional Fire and Life Safety Resources:
A page dedicated to red flag warning that has the following information that you can print and have in your home
Red Flag Warning |Tahoe City| ntfire.net
Modified printable version here
Emergency Preparedness Guide
Emergency Prepare |Tahoe City| North Tahoe Fire Protection District
Defensible Space |Tahoe City| ntfire.net
Curbside Chipping
Defensible Space Inspection
Cal Fire - Campfire Permit - Ready for Wildfire
NTFPD Plans plans@ntfire.net
222 Fairway Dr. - PO Box 5879
Tahoe City, CA 96145
(P) 530-583-6911
Homewood Fire Station (Not always staffed)
Just past West Shore Sports south of the cabin.
5425 West Lake Boulevard
530-583-6913
Burn-Days | PlacerAir.org
You may only burn dry vegetation from the property where it was grown. Previous burn day information is not available. Placer County also has a chipper program that can help reduce large burn piles to small biodegradable chip piles.
800-998-BURN (2876)
permit required
8AM - 6PM
How are burn days decided?
The height values are obtained from 500-mb forecast weather charts.
500-mb heights typically average 18,300 feet above sea level.
High 500-mb heights are related to sinking air through the air column, which tends to be more stable.
Stability is a measure of the atmosphere’s ability to lift smoke away from the ground. A more stable atmosphere indicates less plume rise, whereas an unstable atmosphere suggests good conditions for plume rise.
Burn Restrictions |Tahoe City| North Tahoe Fire Protection District
- You will be required to watch an introductory video prior to completing the application.
- Once you have completed your application you will be required to print and sign the permit. The permit will not be valid if it is not printed and signed.
- You must keep your signed permit on you at all times during a residential burn.
- You are required to follow all Burn Guidelines and Red Flag Warnings.
- Always make sure it is a Permissible Burn Day.
- Renters must have written and signed authorization from the property owner in their possession in order to obtain a permit.
- Maximum pile size shall be 4 feet in diameter.
- The area within 10 feet of the outer edge of the pile shall be maintained free and clear of all flammable material and vegetation.
- There must be a responsible adult in attendance with a shovel until the fire is dead out.
- There must be a water supply at the burning site.
- No burning shall be undertaken unless weather conditions (particularly wind) are such that burning can be considered safe.
- No burning is allowed on Red Flag Warning Days.
- In case of emergency, call 911.
2017 Notes:
North Tahoe Fire Department | Burn Restrictions & Burn Permits They say,
What kind of outdoor fire can I have?
Several types of outdoor fireplaces are allowed any time. They include the following:
Liquid Natural Gas Properly Screened Word Burning
LNG Outdoor Fireplace LNG Outdoor Fireplace Grill/BBQ Fireplace or Chiminea
- Total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diamater.
- 2 feet or less in height
- At least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material
- (Renters must have written permission from owner, and have the letter in their possession)
Burn permits are required for burning refuse. There are instructions at the above web site for obtaining a permit.
There are rules like the following:
Don't burn on
Red Flag Warning: - See above
Outdoor fire screens:
They didn't have any information on outdoor stoves with chimneys. When I called all they said is they must have a spark arrestor screen.
Spark arrester screens come with 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" mesh.
Some areas, particularly those in or near woodlands, have building codes that require all chimney caps to have 1/2" spark arrestors.
At Placer County Residential Plan Review they specify 1/2" screen.
I had trouble finding a screened stove pipe cap for our outdoor stove. There are ones for $80+ designed for house chimneys.
I finally found one at
Rain Cap - 6" 1/4" mesh - Colorado Cylinder Stoves - Amazon.com $26
Amazon.com : Spark Screen for Fire Pits, 40" $133
See also Chimney Cap Buying Guide | eFireplaceStore.com
North Tahoe Fire Protection District | TRPA
US Forest Service (USFS) Land:
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Tahoe - Eldorado National Forest (CAZ269) | National Weather Service
US Forest Service Alerts & Notices:
Lake Tahoe Basin Mgt Unit
Tahoe National Forest
Eldorado Forest Fire Info
Other Links:
Fires
Faqs | Living With Fire Tahoe
CAL FIRE - Home
Firefighters On Your Side - California Fire Foundation