Fire restrictions start in the Lake Tahoe Basin on July 9, said the U.S. Forest Service. A Forest Order has been issued to provide for public safety through the end of the official 2012 fire season.

Campfires, including charcoal barbecues, are prohibited except in exempted recreation sites. Campfires are prohibited in all other semi-developed sites such as Luther Pass, Blackwood Canyon, and Watson Lake, as well as in all dispersed recreation areas.

Smoking on National Forest land is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or within an exempted recreation site.

For a complete list of regulations and exempted recreation sites, visit go to the USFS site online.

For additional information regarding fire restrictions, call the Forest Supervisor’s office at (530) 543.2694, Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report