Forest Service continues prescribed fires around Lake Tahoe

U.S. Forest Service fuels management crews will continue prescribed fires in several locations around the Lake Tahoe Basin beginning today. The controlled burns may take place near Meeks Bay on the West Shore, Slaughterhouse Canyon on the East Shore and near the end of Andria Drive on Kingsbury Grade. Locations and size of the operations will depend on conditions at each site. Operations may continue through the week and possibly through the weekend, weather permitting.

Residents and visitors can expect to see smoke from these prescribed fire project areas. Smoke may be visible on Kingsbury Grade, Hwy 50 and Hwy 28 along the East Shore and Hwy 89 on the West Shore. The Forest Service strives to minimize the impacts of smoke on local communities. Smoke-sensitive residents should consider staying indoors and keeping doors, windows and outside vents closed. To directly receive prescribed fire updates, send an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.
Forest Service staff will post road signs around areas affected by prescribed fire, and update the local fire information line at (530) 543-2600, #6. Other federal, state and local fire management agencies may also be conducting prescribed fire work during this period.

For more information go to www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu. To learn more about the efforts to reduce catastrophic wildfire risks in the Tahoe Basin read the Lake Tahoe Basin Multi-jurisdictional Fuel Reduction Plan found at http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_045864.pdf.

Take a few moments to visit an excellent web site and learn about Prescribed Fire vs. Wildfire at: www.smokeybear.com/prescribed-fires.asp.