Cooler weather for the holiday

By David Mirhadi

Staff Writer

If you're going camping or planning a good portion of the holiday outdoors this Labor Day weekend, be prepared to enjoy a cool-down.

The National Weather Service's Sacramento office is predicting a high of 87 degrees this morning, cooling to 73 on Sunday and warming to a pleasant 78 degrees on Labor Day.

The traditional end of summer brings with it a continuing restriction of campfires in the Tahoe National Forest. Campfires are only permitted in designated campgrounds or picnic areas.

Those looking to explore the back country and people with a valid California campfire permit may use a portable stove or lantern that uses pressurized gas.

"It is really critical that people are fire safe this Labor Day," said forest supervisor Tom Quinn. "Conditions are extremely dry and the weather is expected to remain warm and breezy throughout the long weekend," he said in a statement.

At least two local campgrounds, those at Greenhorn and Scotts Flat Lake, are full this weekend, though both are open for day use. Greenhorn charges $6.50 per car, with an additional $6.50 for a boat.

Scotts Flat Lake charges $6.25 per car for day use.

For more information on fire restrictions or recreation opportunities, contact the Tahoe National Forest headquarters at 265-4531.

To contact Staff Writer David Mirhadi, e-mail dmirhadi@theunion.com or call 477-4239.