Fire Restrictions

PERMITTING REQUIRED

The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) requires a burn permit for all recreational fires, including those contained within portable outdoor fireplaces or barbecues burning charcoal.

Solid fuel fires (such as wood or charcoal) are prohibited without a TDFPD burn permit. Permits can be obtained through an inspection with one of our inspectors. This can be done in conjunction with a Defensible Space Inspection. Click here to schedule. 

Wood-burning fire pits shall not be conducted within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material, in accordance with the International Fire Code (IFC) and Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) regulations.

What is a recreational fire?

The International Fire Code (IFC) defines a recreational fire as:

“An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, or barbecue grill and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes.”

This definition distinguishes recreational fires from open burning (green waste), bonfires, and prescribed burns, which may have additional regulations.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL FIRES

• Obtain a burn permit.
• Check the weather for high winds or red flag warnings.
• Recreational fires must be constantly attended to by a responsible individual until they are fully extinguished.
• At least on portable fire extinguisher or another approved fire safety tool – such as dirt, sand, a water barrel or a garden hose must be readily available for immediate use.
• It is also required that fire pits be covered with a ¼ inch maximum screen to contain floating hot embers.

  UL listed propane natural gas fireplaces do not require a permit, however must follow manufacturer’s instructions for approved use. See also: propane barbeques. 

Barbeque Restrictions

Charcoal barbecues are permitted with a Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) burn permit, ensuring proper defensible space around the cooking area. Barbecues must be placed on a non-combustible surface—such as concrete or gravel—and cannot be used on combustible surfaces like wooden decks. Additionally, they must be kept at least 15 feet away from structures and combustible materials. 

Gas-fueled barbecues, wood-pellet smokers are allowed without a burn permit, except on Red Flag Days. They must be kept a safe distance from combustible surfaces in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Only UL-listed appliances are approved for use in this manner.

Red Flag Warnings

All barbeques and recreational fires are prohibited during a red flag warning.

RED FLAG WARNINGS are issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public when critical weather conditions exist that may result in extreme fire behavior.  TDFPD will fly a red flag from all stations and inform the public through social media. 

OTHER PERMITS

State and Federal Lands – Recreational fires, on state and federal lands, are regulated by the respective land management agency including USFS camps, resorts and beaches.

Permits are required for recreational fires, such as campfires, barbecues, and portable stoves on federally controlled lands. ONLY propane barbecues are allowed on beaches. Any other restrictions or permitting requirements will be prominently posted on the state and federal website for the recreational site.

Click here for US Forest Service
Click here for Nevada State Parks
Click here for Nevada Fire Restrictions

ENFORCEMENT

TDFPD has jurisdictional authority to enforce fire codes first from the Nevada State Fire Marshal and Douglas County.  

TDFPD personnel are authorized and have extinguishing authority in circumstances where hazardous situations and reckless conditions/actions could result in the ignition or spread of fire (IFC & IWUI).

Private Property – This authority extends to all fires within the fire district’s boundaries including private property. 

You will be held responsible for the suppression costs of an escaped fire.