Fire restrictions, drone patrols begin in Tahoe National Forest ahead of holiday
Campfires outside developed campgrounds will be banned in Tahoe National Forest starting Friday, and federal officials plan to use infrared-equipped drones over the Fourth of July weekend to spot illegal fires before they spread.
The Stage 1 restrictions, which remain in effect through Oct. 31, ban campfires outside developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Campfires are allowed only in Forest Service-provided fire rings or charcoal grills at designated recreation sites, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Forest officials also announced plans to use night-flying drones equipped with infrared cameras over the Independence Day weekend to detect illegal campfires in areas that historically see heavy dispersed camping.
Tahoe National Forest officials said the forest experiences a high number of human-caused wildfire starts each year, making prevention efforts especially important during the summer recreation season.
“As fire danger escalates across the Tahoe National Forest, we urge individuals to exercise extreme caution when it comes to wildfire while visiting the forest,” Tahoe National Forest Fire Management Officer Kyle Jacobson said in a statement. “Tahoe National Forest is one of the busiest initial attack forests in California with human-caused wildfire starts being a driving factor.”
In addition to campfire restrictions, smoking is prohibited except in designated locations, enclosed vehicles or buildings, or areas cleared of flammable vegetation. Off-road operation of internal combustion engines also is prohibited except in designated areas and other limited circumstances.
Visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit may continue using portable gas or propane stoves, lanterns and similar devices equipped with a shut-off valve if they are operated at least 3 feet from combustible materials.
Forest officials also reminded visitors to never leave campfires unattended, extinguish fires with water before leaving, stay on designated roads and trails, ensure vehicles have properly functioning spark arresters, fully extinguish smoking materials and leave fireworks at home. Fireworks are prohibited year-round in national forests.
Tahoe National Forest spans more than 850,000 acres of the northern Sierra, covering parts of Nevada, Sierra, Placer, Yuba and Butte counties. The forest includes popular recreation destinations such as Donner Summit, the Yuba River, French Meadows Reservoir, Bowman Lake and areas near Downieville.
