South Lake Tahoe, CA…South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) shares the restrictions in place for charcoal BBQs along with alternate options for grilling outdoors. South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is following the California State Fire Code Section 308.1.4 this year, which allows for charcoal BBQ use for 1 or 2 family dwellings. The code cites: “Open flame cooking devices, charcoal burners, and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Exceptions:

1. One and two-family dwellings.

2. Where buildings, balconies, and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

3. Liquefied petroleum (LP and propane) gas-fueled cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds (1 pound LP-gas capacity)”

What does this mean? 

If you live in a house or a duplex, charcoal use is ok. If you live in a multi-family dwelling such as an apartment building, you may not use charcoal, but can use small propane tank grills or electric grills.

Please note: No outdoor BBQs are allowed of any kind AT ALL at any dwelling on Red Flag Days.

You can find out if it’s a Red Flag day by going to the City of South Lake Tahoe website, the Fire Dept Facebook page, local Weather pages, and the Cal Fire Weather page online.

If you have questions about BBQ regulations or need clarification on what you can or cannot use, you may call our Fire Department administration headquarters at 530-542-6160