Tahoe National Forest implements fire restrictions amid drought and warming conditions

As temperatures climb and drought-stricken vegetation gets baked in the summer heat, the Tahoe National Forest has implemented a slate of fire restrictions limiting smoking and campfire burning, authorities announced Tuesday.

Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, which took effect on Wednesday morning, visitors to the forest may still build campfires in established fire rings in designated campgrounds and day-use sites, but not outside of those areas. A list of the campgrounds where campfires are permitted is available on the Forest Service’s website.

Stage 1 restrictions prohibit smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground or a barren area at least three feet in diameter. Visitors to the forest may not use motor vehicles off paved, gravel or dirt roads and trails in the forest, unless within a designated Off-Highway vehicle area.

“As we move into critical fire conditions on the Tahoe National Forest, we are putting fire restrictions in place in undeveloped areas to protect our forests and surrounding communities,” Tahoe National Forest Fire Management Officer Jason Withrow said in a Tuesday news release. “At this point in the summer season, we are continuing to allow fires where it is safest to enjoy them — in our designated developed recreation areas.”

According to the release, the decision to implement fire restrictions is based on the findings of fire management officials, who monitor wildfire conditions on the forest, fuel moisture levels and predicted weather conditions.

The release stressed the importance of attending burning campfires at all times, ensuring that all combustion engines have a working spark arresting device and limiting the use of flammable items like cigarette butts and pyrotechnic devices.

This story was originally published July 20, 2022 at 10:11 AM.