Tahoe Basin Fire Restrictions End October 3

News Release USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Public Affairs (530) 543-2627 Fax: (530) 543-2743

Date: October 1, 2007 Contact: Cheva Heck (530) 543-2608 or Rex Norman (530) 543-2627

Tahoe Basin Fire Restrictions End October 3 Residential Debris Burning Restrictions Also to be Lifted South Lake Tahoe, CA. --USDA Forest Service Fire Management Officer Kit Bailey announced the end of Tahoe Basin Fire Restrictions, effective October 3, 2007. In addition, in coordination with CalFire , residential debris burning restrictions are being lifted. Residents are urged to contact their local Fire Department or Fire Protection District station for details prior to conducting residential debris burning. 2007 fire restrictions prohibited campfires except within established fee campgrounds that provide fire rings, and prohibited charcoal fires at beaches and day use areas. Smoking has been restricted to the interiors of structures and vehicles, and to properly cleared areas. These restrictions will be lifted effective Wednesday, October 3. Residents and visitors should be aware that Forest Service fire regulations require the use of stoves year-round in most backcountry areas and in the Desolation Wilderness, and that valid campfire permits are required for both stoves and campfires. Charcoal fires will again be allowed at Forest Service beaches and other developed day use areas without a permit. The Tahoe Basin 2007 Fire Season was one of the driest on record with exceptionally low fuel moistures and humidity by Mid-June. Just prior to the 3,100 acre Angora Fire which started on June 24, the dryness of dead and down fuels (measured by fuel moisture) on the forest floor was comparable to conditions usually experienced in August. The Angora Fire was the result of an illegal campfire, started and abandoned in an area where fires are prohibited year-round. Although the cause of the fire has been established, the individual responsible is yet to be identified. Recent rain, snow and increased humidity, along with cooling temperatures, have significantly reduced wildfire risks. Despite improved conditions, the public should continue to use great caution with all potential sources of ignition, and be aware of, and follow fire regulations. For more information, call the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest Supervisor's Office at: (530) 543-2694. Reporter's Background: To view the Forest Order that identifies year-round fire and camping regulations, visit: www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/documents/recreation/forest-orders/Camping-Order-II.pdf