Lake Tahoe Camping Near the Best Hiking and Fishing
When you’re looking to rise above the summer heat... Read Article
Tahoe summers are second to none. There’s a lot of renewed energy in the alpine air. The days are longer, warmer and sunnier, and it seems like there are no worries in sight.
Life tends to move at a slower pace in the Sierra during our short summer season. You don’t feel the need to constantly check your notifications when you’re hiking up a mountain, cycling, swimming in the lake or watching the sunset on a dock. For many people, summer is a time to take extended breaks, explore nature, sit by a campfire, cook food on a barbecue and connect with their loved ones.
Unfortunately, summer in the Tahoe region has also become synonymous with wildfires.
With a mix of the lingering effects of past droughts, rising temperatures, dry weather and high winds, the environment is perfectly set up for wildfires to occur naturally in the Tahoe region.
The Tahoe region has seen its fair share of wildfires due to natural causes, human carelessness and even arson. The past few years have been especially frightening. Residents still feel the lingering effects of the Caldor fire, which burned more than 10,000 acres and destroyed approximately a thousand structures. The fire made international news, and people watched in horror as the fire burned through our beloved forests and displaced residents and wildlife. Today, you can see the damage as you drive up Highway 50, a striking and humbling reminder of the power wildfires hold.
CalFire attacking the Caldor Fire by air. Credit: CalFire (Flickr)
One positive effect of the Caldor fire has been the exposure to the necessities of wildfire education, safety and prevention on an individual and community level. It also showed the Tahoe community's resilience and brought people closer together during hard times. It’s imperative that we continue to do our part to prevent another devastating event of this magnitude in the future.
I believe that we can be mindful and still have fun while recreating in the outdoors. Below, I have outlined some tips to help you with wildfire safety and prevention.
Focus on Preparedness and Prevention
- Given the current conditions, the best and most effective way to prevent a wildfire is to not have a campfire at all.
- The second-best way to practice fire safety is to prioritize education, preparation and prevention. And that includes staying up to date with local protocols, current restrictions and proper campfire management if you are given permission to have one.
- You should have the proper equipment to maintain a safe fire and extinguish it.
- Before you even think about starting a campfire, check to see if you are allowed to have one. Most areas in the Tahoe region do not allow campfires outside specified developed recreation areas, such as campgrounds and picnic areas. There are no fires allowed in the backcountry. If you are in an area that does allow campfires, you must use a proper fire ring and have a permit, which can be obtained at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Fines for violating these rules and regulations can reach up to $10,000, so do your research.
- If you do have a campfire, bonfire or barbecue, monitor it at all times. Many wildfires could have been prevented if people had practiced proper safety techniques, such as completely dousing the campfire before they went to sleep or left the area. Leaving a fire, or even smoldering embers, unattended can quickly lead to an out-of-control fire.
When you are done with your fire, put it out completely!
- First, completely extinguish the fire with water. You should have more than enough water for this step, just in case the fire gets larger than expected. Remember, preparedness is key!
- Stir the embers, wet soil, coals or wood together as you continue to add water and a solid top layer of dirt. There could always be smoldering embers underneath.
- Continue this process of adding water and dirt as you stir. Take a break and check the temperature of the dirt. If it's hot, the fire is not out!
- If it's hot, continue the process of stirring and adding water and dirt.
- Do a thorough check of the campground and surrounding area. Go through the checklist. Does any areas feel hot? Do you see any embers or smoke? Is anything out of place? Are the winds picking up?
- Check your fire site again. What is the temperature? Are there any embers or smoke? I recommend adding another layer of water and dirt, just in case. It might sound like a bit much, but I'd rather spend a few extra minutes being cautious if it can prevent a wildfire.
- If the temperature is cool, and everything is cleared, then you are good to go.
Have a List of Resources
Weather and conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, so it's imperative to do your research to get a general idea of what you are getting into. However, always be prepared should anything occur.
There are many resources available to help prepare you for your trip. I have compiled a list below to help you out. Click on any of these links for more information.
Tahoe Fire Restrictions and Regulations
How to Read a Fire Rating System
More Info on the Fire Rating System and Red Flag Warnings
I hope that these tips and resources help you plan your trip and be more comfortable with fire safety and prevention. The more we learn about the role we can play in keeping our beloved forests safe, the higher chance they can be enjoyed and revered for generations to come. The key is passing on this knowledge and leading by example in respecting the land.
The Tahoe region is fragile, but it is also resilient.
I drove along Highway 50 the other day. The landscape that fell victim to the Caldor Fire's destructive path is drastically different than it was just a few years ago. Dense areas of vibrant green pines are now scorched skeletal structures, still standing strong amongst the ashes and new layers of soil. It was such a stark reminder about the power we hold in life and death in the forest.
I hope you enjoy your summer recreation in the Tahoe region. Responsibly, of course.
Let's keep Tahoe blue, and green! Photo by Kirsten Alexis
Sources and More Links
U.S. Forest Service, Ready for Wildfire, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, CAL FIRE, Smokey Bear
Caldor Fire Photo link
Thumbnail image by Pexels for Pixabay
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
