Tahoe National Forest Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

LOST SIERRA — Today, the Tahoe National Forest implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, which significantly limit the use of fires on forest land. These measures aim to reduce wildfire risks in the region during dry conditions.

Unlike its neighbor, the Plumas National Forest has not yet imposed similar rules. A statement on June 19th indicated that conditions are “close” to meeting the scientific thresholds for restrictions there. The difference reflects varying environmental factors and leadership across the two forests.

The Tahoe National Forest now enforces the following prohibitions:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except within a charcoal grill or fire ring provided at a designated recreation site.

Smoking outside of a vehicle, building, recreation site, or an area cleared of flammable material in a 3-foot diameter.

Operating motorized vehicles off paved, gravel, or dirt National Forest System roads and trails, except within the Prosser Pits Developed Off-Highway Vehicle Area and boats on a water surface.

Violating these restrictions can lead to a $5,000 fine and up to six months of imprisonment. The rules apply only to Forest Service land, not private, municipal, or county areas. Sierra County has an ordinance mirroring the forest’s restrictions, but it activates only under Stage 2 rules, which ban all fires on Forest Service land.