While a controversy has flared up on the North Shore regarding the use of barbecue grills on the balconies of apartments and condominiums, South Shore communities have their own barbecue rules.

Concerns about barbecue safety prompted the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District to better publicize its rules on barbecue use at multifamily complexes. The rules themselves are not new, but residents now are hearing more about them.

"The reason we're announcing this now and looking to educate the community is because of complaints," said NLTFPD Fire Marshal Tom Smith. "One of those issues came up when someone perceived their neighbor was using a grill carelessly."