Fire Restrictions Lifted & Open Public Burning Starts October 9th in Tahoe Township, Douglas Co.

October 5, 2023

Contact: Michelle Turner

Public Information Officer

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Fire Restrictions Lifted & Open Public Burning Starts October 9th in Tahoe Township, Douglas Co.

October 9, 2023, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District has lifted the suspension of the use of solid-fuel and charcoal barbeques that has been in place in the Tahoe Township, Douglas County, Nevada.

In addition, effective October 9, 2023, outdoor burning is permissible. Permits for open burning of pine needles, slash piles, construction warming fires, and recreational fire pits are available Monday through Friday, free of charge. Please call 775.588.3591 to schedule an inspection and obtain a permit. Visit our website for more information.

Guidelines for open burning are:

• Permit is valid for open burning only at the address listed and only for materials authorized.
• Permit holder shall visit tahoefire.org prior to any burning activity to determine if it is an approved Burn Day.
• No open burning is permitted on No Burn Days as determined by the Fire District.
• Open burning starts at 6:00 a.m. and all piles must be extinguished by 3:00 p.m.
• Provide a thirty-minute fire watch after extinguishing any fire.
• Have a charged garden hose and hand tools nearby.
• Keep pine needle and slash piles small and manageable.
• An adult must constantly attend fire.
• Clear a 25-foot radius noncombustible area around all fires.
• Keep fires away from any overhanging branches.
• Burning of household refuse, trash, cardboard, rubber products, tires, plastic, petroleum, construction debris, and other non-vegetative materials is prohibited.

Grilling Safety Tips:

All grilling appliances shall be used within the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations. Follow these simple safety tips when using solid-fuel, charcoal, or propane grills.

• Propane, charcoal, and other solid-fuel grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed far away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Charcoal Grills:

• Charcoal grills are prohibited on combustible surfaces.
• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. To obtain a free ash can, homeowners can download the Ash can Voucher. Vouchers are also available at Station 23, 193 Elks Point Rd. in Round Hill across from Safeway. Completed vouchers can be exchanged for an ash can at Kingsbury Hardware while supplies last.
• Full ash cans can be dumped at TDFPD Station 23, 193 Elks Point Road, Zephyr Cove, in the rear parking lot in a bright red dumpster.
• Click here for more information on the ash can program.

Propane Grills:

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
• Apply light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak, by smell, or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re- lighting it.