Fire Restrictions — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Campfires are restricted — typically allowed only inside agency-provided fire structures in developed recreation sites, and prohibited at dispersed sites. The signed order has the specifics.
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From the order
Stage 1: building, maintaining, or using a campfire or charcoal/wood fire is prohibited except in an agency-provided fire ring at a developed campground. A gas or propane stove or lantern with a shut-off valve is allowed. Smoking is allowed only inside an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a cleared area. Exceptions for this order: Persons with Forest Service Permit No; FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order; Persons with a valid Wilderness Permit or California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above, however, persons with a valid California campfire permit may use a portable campfire pit, stove, or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel as the only fuel source; Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organization rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty; These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions found in 36 C.F.R; Part 261, Subpart A. A.
Order history
- Stage 1 Fire Restrictions June 27, 2021 – present
Agencies overwrite their alert pages when an order changes; GroundTruth keeps the timeline. Dates reflect each order's effective date.
Ranger offices & dispatch
- Flagstaff Ranger District
928-526-0866 · Forest page - Red Rock Ranger District
928-203-2900 · Forest page - Mogollon Rim Ranger District
928-477-2255 · Forest page - Coconino National Forest Supervisor's Office
928-527-3600 · Forest page - Carson Ranger District Office
- Lehman Caves Visitor Center
(775) 234-7510 - Great Basin Visitor Center
(775) 234-7520 - Mountain City Ranger District Office
Offices cover the region; the closest one to your route can confirm current conditions.
Frequently asked
Can I have a campfire in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit right now?
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is under Stage 1 fire restrictions as of August 03, 2026. Campfires are typically allowed only inside agency-provided fire structures in developed recreation sites, and prohibited at dispersed sites. Read the signed order for the exact terms.
Are propane or gas stoves allowed during fire restrictions?
Usually yes. Devices fueled solely by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG with an on-off valve are typically exempt under Stage 1 and Stage 2, used in an area cleared of flammable material. The signed order always governs — read it before relying on an exemption.
Know before you strike a match — even offline
GroundTruth for iOS gives a grounded campfire verdict for your exact GPS location, online or off, backed by the signed order. The verdict is free, always. Get a push the moment this status tightens.
GET GROUNDTRUTH — FREEData: GroundTruth restriction pipeline · Great Basin — Nevada (NIFC) · page updated 2026-08-03.