Lake Tahoe communities urged to become Firewise USA certified

The Tahoe Resource Conservation District, a member of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, is encouraging homeowners and residents at Lake Tahoe to participate in the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Community program in 2024. The initiative focuses on creating Fire Adapted Communities through a multifaceted approach that includes physical measures like home hardening and defensible space and prevention, planning, education, and Firewise certification.

The Firewise USA recognition program, administered by the National Fire Protection Association, plays a crucial role in a national effort to ensure communities are well-prepared against the threat of wildfires. The program recognizes communities that demonstrate a commendable commitment to fire prevention and mitigation. In 2024, congratulations are extended to the thirty-two neighborhoods within the Tahoe Basin that have received their Firewise USA recognition.

These communities demonstrate commendable commitment to fire prevention and mitigation.

Agate Bay
Al Tahoe
Alpine Peaks
Black Bart Community
Carnelian Woods Townhouse Association
Chamberlands
Chinquapin HOA
Dollar Point Association
Fallen Leaf Lake South Side
Glenbrook Community
Golden Bear (Lower Montgomery Estates)
Granlibakken Property Owners Association
Homewood Homeowners Association
Kingswood Village POA
Lake Village HOA
Meadow Lakes SLT
Mewuk-Wintoon NUT
Montgomery Estates/ Cold Creek Trail
Mt Tallac Village One
Open Door Association
PineWild HOA
Rubicon Bay HOA
Spring Creek Tract Homeowners Association
Tahoe Beach Club
Tahoe Hills/ Rubicon Palisades
Tahoe Keys
Tahoe Meadows
Tahoe Swiss Village
Tall Trees Wood Vista Neighborhood (TTWV)- Lake Tahoe
Talmont
The Village at Incline HOA
Upper Montgomery Estates

“Creating a Fire Adapted Community with your neighbors is crucial to effective fire prevention and mitigation and empowers property owners to play a role in changing the narrative around preventing property loss and increasing safety,” said Leona Allen, Fire Adapted Community and Firewise Leader. “The process also allows neighbors to enhance the health of their environment, build stronger community bonds, and potentially receive reduced fire insurance rates.”

The history of the Tahoe Basin with wildfire - and the potential for future fires - makes it imperative that we all work together to make our communities safer, environmentally healthier, and more prepared for catastrophic emergencies. 

“With all the changing dynamics relating to individual fears of fire, fire prevention, home hardening, defensible space, there are so many reasons to embrace this concept,“ said Fire Marshal Kim George, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, “We can no longer be spectators with wildfire prevention; we are all responsible to be participants in being fire proactive to keep our community safe.”

To learn more about becoming Firewise USA certified visit the NFPA website:
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa and contact the Fire Adapted Community Program, Tahoe Resource Conservation District via email at fire@tahoercd.org or by phone at (530) 543-1501 ext. 114.