SIERRA COUNTY — On August 1st, the Tahoe National Forest implemented fire restrictions prohibiting all campfires, smoking, shooting, and charcoal barbecues on Tahoe National Forest land. The decision was made due to “prolonged and extreme fire danger” and the lack of available firefighting resources, which have been assisting in other fires, including the now-contained Gold Complex Fire and the ongoing Park Fire.

In July, the Sierra County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance implementing county-wide fire restrictions for private property “when open flames are restricted in hosted campgrounds on Forest Service land.” The ordinance went into effect on August 1st and was immediately activated by the Tahoe Forest’s restrictions.

Under the new ordinance’s restrictions, building, maintaining, attending, or using an outdoor fire within Sierra County, excluding the City of Loyalton, is prohibited. Personal barbecues and smokers fueled by propane or compressed wood chips are exempt, provided they are placed on a non-combustible surface and are clear of combustible material overhead. Professional barbecues and smokers must follow the same guidelines and be at least 30 feet clear of any ignition source.

Personal propane heaters, with the exception of torpedo heaters, are permissible. Still, they must be placed on a non-combustible surface clear of overhead ignition sources and be continually monitored during use.

On the Tahoe Forest, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, is also prohibited. Additionally, internal combustion engines are not permitted to operate off paved, gravel, or dirt National Forest System roads and trails (except in Prosser Pits Developed Off-Highway Vehicle Area and boats on the water). Discharging any firearm and operating any torch with an open flame are also prohibited.