Lake Tahoe, CA/NV..As public fireworks displays are cancelled on the South and North shores of Lake Tahoe, we would like to remind everyone to refrain from using consumer fireworks when celebrating during the July 4th holiday weekend. Fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge on any property, public or private (including US Forest Service) in the Tahoe Basin. This includes all consumer fireworks (fireworks purchased by individuals) known as “safe and sane” brought in from out-of-the-area*.

El Dorado County, Placer County, Washoe County, Douglas County, Alpine County and Carson City enforce civil and criminal penalties for possession and/or use of fireworks. Placer County fines for fireworks possession vary from $300 to $2000, and some kinds of fireworks are a felony to possess without a license and could result in arrest. Using fireworks that cause fires could result in a charge of arson.

The use of consumer fireworks can lead to fires, devastating burns, other injuries, and even death. Not only are safety precautions a concern, the cost of suppression and any other injury or liability caused by fireworks is the direct responsibility of those persons using fireworks.

In addition to the harm consumer fireworks can inflict on individuals, these unnecessary incidents can also place undue burdens on first responders. Please avoid consumer use of fireworks to help reduce the number of preventable incidents that require response and care. Anyone with fireworks may turn them into any fire station in any fire district without penalty at any time.

For more information on Fireworks safety visit nfpa.org.

*Permitted sanctioned fireworks shows are legal for licensed professionals with appropriate mitigation.

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About the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) consists of representatives of Tahoe Basin fire agencies, CAL FIRE, Nevada Division of Forestry and related state agencies, University of California and Nevada Cooperative Extensions, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the USDA Forest Service, conservation districts from both states, the California Tahoe Conservancy and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Our Mission is to protect lives, property and the environment within the Lake Tahoe Basin from wildfire by implementing prioritized fuels reduction projects and engaging the public in becoming a Fire Adapted Community.

For more information, visit tahoelivingwithfire.com