Recreational Fires

Tahoe-Douglas Fire Restrictions

CURRENT RESTRICTIONS:

Tahoe Douglas Fire Residents with Propane, Natural Gas, Pellets, or LPG Firepits or BBQs are safe to burn on Non-Red Flag Warning Day.

*ALL FORMS OF FIRE/FLAME ARE PROHIBITED DURING  RED FLAG WARNINGS 

What is a recreational fire?

A Recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is contained in an appropriate, approved appliance.

For example, a permanent or portable barbecue,  outdoor fireplace or fire pit, incinerator, or large grill that has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes (WUI  and IFC). The manufacturer’s instructions on appliances should be carefully read and adhered to. 

PERMITTING REQUIRED

No Solid Fuel (i.e Wood or Charcoal) is prohibited without a TDFPD burn permit. Permits can be granted through an inspection with one of our inspectors. Schedule a Defensible Space Inspection. 

Wood Burning Open Fire Pits shall not be conducted within  15 feet of a structure or combustible material. (IFC and WUI )

Red Flag Warnings 

Recreational fires are prohibited during RED FLAG WARNINGS when high winds or high fire danger conditions exist.  TDFPD personnel carefully review weather conditions – temperature, wind and humidity – and adjust daily work assignments and staffing levels based on risk factors. The public will be asked to stop all fire use and high risk activities during these periods.

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.

BE SAFE – BEST PRACTICES

  • Recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.
  • A minimum of one (1) portable fire extinguisher complying with section 906 (of the IFC); or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck shall be available for immediate utilization.
  • It is also required that fire pits be covered with a ¼ inch maximum screen to contain floating hot embers.
  • You will be held responsible for the suppression costs of an escaped fire.

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. 

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