TAHOE CITY, Calif. – The mild summer and good precipitation this fall prompted CAL FIRE to lift burning restrictions effective October 9, 2023, and the Fire Chief has lifted seasonal fire restrictions for North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Protection Districts effective the same date.

Homeowners are permitted to use properly screened wood-burning firepits and chimneys, and charcoal barbecues throughout the cold weather months unless high winds/red flag weather conditions prohibit safe use. The outdoor burning of wood and charcoal is never permitted at Short-Term Rentals.

Those possessing current and valid residential burn permits may resume residential burning on permissible burn days. CAL FIRE and the Air Resource Board, in conjunction with the Counties’ Air Quality Management Districts, regulate “burn” and “no burn” days.

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Burn permits are required and residents must verify if a day is a permissible burn day through the Placer County Air Quality Management District for permit holders in the North Tahoe Fire Protection District, or the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District for permit holders in the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District.

RESIDENTIAL BURN GUIDELINES

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• Renters must have written 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. Safe residential pile burning of green waste is an important tool in reducing fire hazards resulting from the buildup of forest residue.

For more information on burning and to apply for a permit, visit the CAL FIRE website at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/. For information on creating defensible space around your home, visit Tahoe Living With Fire.