Beginning July 1, fire restrictions will go into effect in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Campfires and charcoal barbecues will be restricted to designated recreation sites, and other fire-related activities will be prohibited until the end of fire season.

“Weather patterns this winter and spring are similar to conditions in 2007, the year of the Angora Fire,” Fire Prevention Officer Beth Brady said in a statement. “Even with the rain we have received, at this point, it won’t alleviate this summer’s high risk of wildfires.”

During fire restrictions, certain activities are not allowed. Prohibited activities include: building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except within the stoves and fire rings provided in designated recreation sites; smoking on National Forest land, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or within a designated recreation site; welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame; and operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and maintained in effective working order.

Fire restrictions are intended to reduce the possibility of human-caused wildfires over the summer season.

Campfires are prohibited in all semi-developed sites such as Luther Pass, Blackwood Canyon, and Watson Lake, as well as in all dispersed recreation locations, such as the Meiss backcountry area on Luther Pass.

Forest users should obtain specific information about restrictions and the area they are visiting before venturing out.

For additional information regarding fire restrictions, call (530) 543.2694.