Fire Restrictions
Rubicon area fire restrictions
Fire restrictions are a way of life on the three forests in which the Rubicon Trail runs. Restrictions vary from forest to forest.
Please be careful when using fire as the forests can be very dry even when restrictions have been lifted. Make sure fires are completely out by pouring lots of water on the fire and stirring it in.
Campfire permits are required for any open flame fire or cooking stove on public lands, even propane stoves. Fire permits are free and now available ONLINE! These permits are good in the state of California only. You can also visit ant forest service office to obtain a free campfire permit.
Different forests enact fire restrictions at different times of year. It depends on how heavy and or late the previous winter was regarding water content. Light winters and early high temperatures bring early fire restrictions.
It is the users responsibility to know the current fire restrictions of the forest or public land they are visiting. I have tried to compiled a list of the current fire restrictions that effect the Rubicon Trail. I will make every attempt to keep this information and these links up to date.
Note: fire restrictions means no welding, the exception to this would be private property. So, weld up your broken stuff at Rubicon Springs! But get permission and have water and shovels handy at all times.
The basic rules for having a fire on forest land, from the FS website:
- Make sure you are at a site that allows campfires.
- Make sure there are no burn bans and it’s not too windy.
- Dig a pit away from overhanging branches.
- Circle the pit with rocks.
- Clear a 10-foot area around the pit down to the dirt, removing anything that could catch on fire.
- Stack extra wood upwind and away from fire.
- After lighting, throw the match into the fire.
- Never leave a campfire unattended; an adult should supervise the campfire at all times.
- Keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby.
- Never put anything but wood into the fire.
- Do not pull sticks out of the fire.
- Do not sit on the fire ring or rocks around the campfire. They will heat up quickly and they’ll stay hot for a long time.
- When it’s time to put the fire out, dump lots of water on it, stir it with a shovel, then dump more water on it. Make sure it is COLD before leaving the campsite. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!
Fire restriction notices for the Tahoe National Forest
Fire restrictions started xx/xx/xxxx and will run until xx/xx/xxxx.
.
.
Fire restriction notices for the Lake Tahoe Basin Manangement Unit
Fire Restrictions are always in place as fires are only allowed in Forest Service pits and only in Forest Service campgrounds.
.
.
Fire restriction notices for the Eldorado National Forest
Fire restrictions started xx/xx/xxxx and will run until xx/xx/xxxx.
.
.
An example of the camp fire permit you must have with you:
x
The 'Other' Rubicon 