Update: Forest Service lifts regional closure for parts of Lake Tahoe

This story has been updated to change the tense throughout and to include the Eldorado National Forest.

The lifting of a regional closure order on Wednesday night includes the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit outside of the back country.

That means that Zephyr Cove and other Forest Service amenities along the Lake will reopen, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday. Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country, Barker Pass, Blackwood Canyon and McKinney-Rubicon will remain closed through Sept. 19, Forest Service spokeswoman Lisa Herron said.

“We are constantly evaluating weather and fire conditions in California, as well as regional and national firefighting resources available to us so that we can ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters,” said Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien. “Some factors are more favorable now, which is why I decided to end the regional closure order. I want to thank the public and our partners for their patience and understanding during these challenging times.”

The Eldorado National Forest in Northern California remains closed until Sept. 30. Fire restrictions also remain in place across all National Forests in California to prevent new fire starts. Check with the local National Forest that you plan to visit to obtain specific information on closures and restrictions.

Forest Service officials are anticipating increased firefighting resources as fire danger passes in other parts of the country. In addition, summer visitation tends to taper off after the Labor Day weekend. As fall approaches, fire restrictions will become more localized to those area dangerous.