SIERRA COUNTY — On Tuesday, the US Forest Service lifted its fire restrictions on the Tahoe National Forest. Sierra County’s fire restriction ordinance is tied to the Tahoe Forest’s restrictions, so the county’s restrictions have been lifted to match. Cal Fire also lifted burn permit restrictions for several counties last week. Though originally scheduled to be lifted at the end of the month, cold and rainy weather over the previous few weeks sped up the process and led the Forest Service to conclude fire restrictions were no longer necessary.

“This year has been unseasonably dry on the Tahoe National Forest and the risk of wildfire is year-round,” said Tahoe National Forest Fire Management Officer Kyle Jacobson. “While lately we have experienced favorable weather and fuelsconditions allowing us to lift fire restrictions, we ask those wishing to have a campfire on the forest, to do so safely and responsibly.”

A campfire outside a designated developed recreation area still requires a valid Campfire Permit, which can be acquired from www.readyforwildfire.org, the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or Cal Fire offices. Campfires must be clear of all flammable material by at least five feet in all directions.