cal fire

New chief for Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There has been a change in command at Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD). Chief Gregory "Scott" Baker has retired and passed the department flag to new Chief Scott Lindgren during a small ceremony Wednesday.

The passing of the department flag symbolizing the leadership change. The ceremony also included the pinning of Chief Lindgren whose daughter had the duty.

Updates on closures and fire restrictions around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has lifted its closure order at Taylor Creek so people are once again allowed into the area around the creek. This is a popular area each fall due to the Kokanee Salmon run and heightened wildlife sightings and was closed to both protect bears and discourage large gatherings. The Visitor Center has seasonally closed.

Workshop to help builders create homes to withstand wildfire

Event Date: 
November 18, 2020 - 5:30pm

Building professionals are invited to join a free virtual workshop from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on November 18 to learn how to design, build, and retrofit homes to withstand wildfire.

Explosion of North Complex Fire: Triples in size to over 150,000 acres

UPDATE 2:30PM 9/9/20: The North Complex Fire more than tripled in size since Tuesday and is now 150,140 acres with 38 percent containment.

Nurse on way to work puts out fire on side of US50 with paddle fin and gallon of water

TWIN BRIDGES, Calif. - On Monday, August 31 at about 6:20 p.m., Sara Monroe was doing what she does a few days a week, heading from her home in Pollock Pines to her job at Barton Health in South Lake Tahoe. The CNA with the Skilled Nursing Facility had just passed Twin Bridges on US50 and was heading up the hill towards Camp Sacramento when something caught her attention, perhaps a puff of smoke off the side of the road.

All wood and charcoal fires banned in Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - In a unified move, all fire agencies around the Lake Tahoe Basin have banned all open burning utilizing wood and charcoal for the remainder of the summer, or longer if needed. This includes campgrounds with fire rings, fire pits at homes and all charcoal barbeques whether at home or at public and private facilities.

The suspension takes effect at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2020 and will be enforced with extinguishment and possible citations and fines.

Free virtual workshop: Learn how to harden your Lake Tahoe home against wildfire

Event Date: 
July 28, 2020 - 5:30pm

With the fire year underway at Lake Tahoe, it’s critical for residents to prepare their homes for wildfire. One of the most effective ways residents can prepare their homes is by implementing home hardening techniques and maintaining effective defensible space.

Fire on southwest side of Lake Tahoe

7:00 a.m. Thursday Update: #TallacFire is contained. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit firefighters made good progress last night with assistance from Cal Fire. Accurate mapping has fire at 2.2 acres. Hwy 89 travelers urged to use caution as firefighters continue to mop-up

9:50 p.m. Update: Firefighters are making good progress on the #TallacFire. Hose-lay is completed on left and right flanks. For the safety of firefighters, Highway 89 travelers asked to use caution in the area between Camp Richardson and Emerald Bay as multiple resources are parked on the highway.

Fire at Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple agencies responded to a report of a wildfire at Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe Friday afternoon about 5:00 p.m.

They were able to jump on the fire quickly, leaving less than 1/4 acre burned.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit and the U.S. Forest Service all responded.

Firefighters have completed a hose lay and hand line around the fire and will remain on the scene to mop it up.

The cause is under investigation.

Outside burning to be banned in several counties starting June 15

The year 2020 started out with the driest February on record in California since the 1850s, and this combined with warming temperatures and recent winds are resulting in quickly drying grass.

The increasing fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions

South Lake Tahoe Police HOT team addressing homeless concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Members of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) now make up the city's Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), giving them the ability to help change homelessness through relationship building and ongoing collaborative efforts while protecting the whole community.

Fire quickly put out near Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What appears to have been a cooking fire that got away in the forest near Van Sickle Bi-State Park on Saturday brought out a full response from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue with assistance from Tahoe Douglas Fire, Lake Valley Fire, Cal Fire, and the U.S. Forest Service.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Jay Manning was driving on Lake Tahoe Boulevard near Stateline when he noticed smoke from the park just after 12:30 p.m. on May 16. At that same time, a ranger from the park called into 911 to report a fire.

Upcoming meetings to update public on Lake Tahoe's SR89 West Shore plan

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The public is invited to explore the future of Lake Tahoe's West Shore during one of three public opportunities offered by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and Tahoe Transportation District. The State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan outlines the projects needed to improve the visitor experience, reduce traffic congestion, and preserve the environment from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoma.

Golden Bear neighborhood is first South Lake Tahoe National Firewise USA® Designation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Golden Bear community in South Lake Tahoe has been at the forefront of neighborhood fire safety and their hard work has paid off. They have earned a Firewise USA® designation by the National Fire Protection Association, making them the first South Lake Tahoe community to earn this designation.

Eastbound I-80 closed after multiple big rigs crash near Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eastbound Interstate 80 is currently closed after there were multiple collisions involving semi-trucks near Nyack, Calif. Given the number of trucks involved, it could be several hours until the road reopens to eastbound traffic. Alternate routes are advised for the time being though caution is urged on the major bypass, SR20 due to scheduled tree work and increase in traffic.

According to the CalTrans maintenance superintendent, a full closure of eastbound I-80 is expected for at least 4-6 hours. or between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Public invited to panel discussions on Lake Tahoe, Climate Change and Wildfires

Event Date: 
January 27, 2020 - 8:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - Operation Sierra Storm, a leading national weather conference being held on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe Jan. 26-28, 2020, is a cutting-edge meteorological forum and seminar for network television meteorologists from around the country.

The Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority has invited the public to one of the events during the conference, Fire Conditions, Community Safety and Tahoe Climate Impact, on January 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Harveys Lake Tahoe Cabaret Theater.

After 50 years with USFS, Supervisor Crabtree to retire

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree announced that he will retire on January 6, 2020, completing a career that spanned 50 years.

Tahoe Basin Wildfire Pre-Attack Plans funded by Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation

The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has announced a donation of $18,057 to the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) to enhance wildfire suppression capabilities on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. This donation will result in the expansion of strategic and tactical Wildfire Pre Attack plans covering the entire Lake Tahoe Basin. Pre Attack Plans help first responders by identifying critical infrastructure, vulnerable population groups, evacuation routes, water sources, Temporary Refuge Areas, and locations where forests have been thinned before a wildfire strikes.

CAL FIRE firefighters are staffing up during extreme fire weather across state

CAL FIRE firefighters are staffing up and preparing for the forecasted extreme fire weather across California. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings and fire weather watches for areas of northern, central and southern California. This will likely be the strongest offshore wind event so far this season.

Annual Firefest returns to Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 21, 2019 - 10:00am

Fire Fest is returning to the South Shore on Saturday, September 21, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the back of Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and it's a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.

Helicopters will be the stars this year as they land just outside the venue at the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. What an incredible opportunity to get a close-up look at these amazing machines! Crews will be on hand to answer questions and explain how they help us when we need them most.

Fatal crash involving gas tanker in South Lake Tahoe

Update 10:00 p.m. - One person has died after the tanker truck they were driving on Highway 50 just west of South Lake Tahoe collided with the Upper Truckee River bridge near Elks Club Road.

The preliminary investigation shows that at 11:55 a.m. on Saturday, September 7 the driver of a Toyota Prius was making a right turn from Elks Club Road onto Highway 50 when he pulled out in front of the eastbound truck. According to CHP South Lake Tahoe Commander Terry Lowther, the driver of the Pruis violated the truck driver's right-of-way.

Disaster averted after fires left by careless campers doused in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The outcome could have been much different had
there not been a quick response by the U.S. Forest Service-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and other firefighting agencies at two different spots on Monday.

Both fires look like they are a result of illegal campfires, one on the northwest end of Lake Tahoe near Watson Lake and the other south of the basin in Meiss Country.

Funds awarded to combat climate change and reduce wildfire risk at Lake Tahoe

MEYERS, Calif. - At its meeting today, the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) Board approved a grant of up to $240,286 to California State Parks for forest health management at Burton Creek State Park. Funds for the project come from an earlier grant to the Conservancy from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for high-priority forest health projects designed to combat climate change and reduce the risk of wildfire.

Wildfire weather is here. Are you prepared for power shutoffs?

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – As we move into the warmest and driest days of summer and early fall, the threat of catastrophic wildfire increases throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. High winds, low relative humidity, and dry vegetation are a dangerous combination. When dangerous fire weather is forecasted, the National Weather Service may issue a Red Flag Warning.

Small late night fire in Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An observant Harrah's Tahoe hotel guest helped firefighters attack a South Lake Tahoe fire late Thursday night, allowing them to catch it early and keep it small.

At 11:45 p.m., South Lake Tahoe emergency dispatch received a call about a fire in the area of the gondola. A guest on the hotel's 19th floor had seen fire and called it in.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) went to the hotel to get the height advantage and better pinpoint where the fire had been seen while South Lake Tahoe Fire Department (SLTFD) headed to Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

North Tahoe and Meeks Bay Fire Districts ban all recreational campfires and open burning

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - June 26, 2019 was the first day of the year categorized as "High Fire Danger" in the Lake Tahoe Basin, prompting two area fire districts to impose fire restrictions by suspending all recreational campfires and open burning.

On June 17 CAL FIRE suspended residential burn permits in the Tahoe Basin, followed by today's new restrictions by North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD) and Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (MBFPD).

NV Energy and Liberty Utilities outline wildfire mitigation plans for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With electrical transmission lines found to be at fault in recent California fires, agencies responsible for supplying electricity to communities have been creating plans to prevent fires in the future.

Both companies that supply power to Lake Tahoe, NV Energy and Liberty Utilities, have announced new mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of fire.

Bay Area woman identified as Eagle Falls accident victim

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 35-year-old woman from the San Francisco Bay Area has been identified as the person who was swept away in the quick-moving current of Eagle Falls near Emerald Bay on Friday.

Dina Stephanie Espinosa had been sitting in one of the pools of water near the waterfall when she slipped as she was reaching for a branch, got caught in the current and went over the waterfall, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO).

Golden Bear neighborhood to hold emergency evacuation drill

Event Date: 
May 18, 2019 - 8:00am

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, CAL Fire, and the US Forest Service will be hosting a community evacuation drill for the Golden Bear Residential Tract on Saturday, May 18. The drill will take place from 8:00 a.m. to about 12:00 p.m.

Multiple agencies respond to fire Saturday in prescribed burn area of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Several agencies responded to a report of fire behind Sierra Tahoe Ready-Mix near Twin Peaks in South Lake Tahoe just before noon on Saturday, April 27.

Survey finds 18 Million trees died in California in 2018

While the rate at which trees died in California has slowed, an additional 18 million trees (mostly conifers) have died in the state, bringing a commitment from both the USDA Forest Service and CALFIRE to make forest health their top priority.

The USDA Forest Service announced today over 147 million trees have died across 9.7 million acres of federal, state, local and private lands in California since the drought began in 2010. Since 2016, federal, state, and local partners have felled 1.5 million dead trees, primarily those posing the highest hazards to life and property.

Living the New Reality: What You Should Know About Climate Change & Wildland Fires

Event Date: 
January 30, 2019 - 8:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As part of Operation Sierra Storm, the National Television Meteorologists' Conference held annually in Lake Tahoe, the public is invited to attend a lecture and panel discussion on living with climate change and wildland fires.

On Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Living the New Reality: What You Should Know About Climate Change & Wildland Fires will be held at Harveys in the Cabaret Theater. It is free to the public and offers free validated parking in Harveys parking garage.

Living the New Reality: Climate Change & Wildland Fires, Jan. 30

Event Date: 
January 30, 2019 - 8:00am

Living the New Reality: What You Should Know About Climate Change & Wildland Fires
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019
8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Harveys Lake Tahoe Cabaret Theater
FREE TO PUBLIC - with free validated parking in Harveys garage

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report (IPCC) – Update (8 - 9:15 a.m.)
What consequences does the recent IPCC report indicate? Impacts on humans and natural systems of additional warming? Adaptation and mitigation options for reducing risks over shorter and longer time scales.

Speaker:

Location

Harveys Cabaret
United States

South Lake Tahoe house fire displaces two

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A home in South Lake Tahoe is most likely a total loss after a fire ripped through it Friday evening.

At 5:08 p.m. on November 2, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) was dispatched to a home in the 1800 block of Delta Street in the Y area of town. Upon arrival they found an 800-square-foot home fully engulfed with flames.

The two residents of the house were not at home when the fire broke out.

TRPA recognizes 9 Lake Tahoe projects for Best of the Basin awards

STATELINE, Nev. - Nine projects were honored as "Best in the Basin" Wednesday during the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board meeting.

For 28 years TRPA's program has showcased projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

The Best in Basin award winners:

$2.3M headed to Lake Tahoe for fire prevention projects

In August, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) awarded $27.5 million to fund high-priority forest health projects designed to combat climate change and reduce the risk of wildfires.

During their board meeting Thursday the California Tahoe Conservancy Board accepted their portion, a $2.3 million grant, for fire prevention projects and related efforts as part of the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative.

Firefest returns to South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 29, 2018 - 10:00am

Fire Fest 2018 will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and it's a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about fire safety and conservation.

Helicopters will star again this year as they land just outside the venue at the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. What an incredible opportunity to get a close-up look at these amazing machines. Crews will be on hand to answer questions and explain how they help us when we need them most.

National Forest Foundation receives nearly $13 million for forest restoration work in Tahoe/Truckee

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The National Forest Foundation (NFF) has received a major grant from the California Climate Investments Forest Health Grant Program to conduct important forest health work on the Tahoe National Forest, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands in the Truckee / Tahoe region.

Location

CAL FIRE awards $27.5 million to reduce wildfire risks

Today, CAL FIRE awarded four grants totaling $27.5 million to fund high-priority forest health projects designed to combat climate change and reduce the risk of wildfires.

James Fire between Genoa and Carson City burns 260 acres, at 30% containment

9:14 p.m. update: The James Loop Fire was reported at 12:45 p.m. at the James Canyon Development near Carson City, Nevada. Tonight, the fire was mapped at 260 acres and is currently 30 percent contained. The fire was caused by heavy equipment working on a new home under construction The fire burned 163 acres of private and 107 acres of Bureau of Indian Affairs lands, but threatened lands
managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The East Fork Fire Protection District was in unified command with the U.S. Forest Service.

Injured man rescued by CHP helicopter near Kyburz

A Napa man was hoisted out of the Kyburz area on Friday after falling about 30 feet from a rock formation while climbing.

The H20 helicopter from the California Highway Patrol responded due to the remote location and they were assisted by the El Dorado County Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE personnel who treated the patient and prepared him for extraction.

The 52-year-old man was then transported to Barton Hospital in South Lake Tahoe for the treatment of major injuries.

Fire Chief Meston heading to Sacramento to speak on fire response in the state

A hearing at the Capitol in Sacramento Tuesday will feature fire experts from across the state, and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Meston will be part of the panel discussion.

Estimated 3,500 homes and businesses destroyed in NorCal fires; Red Flag Warning in place

Overnight fire conditions were very active on several fronts forcing additional
evacuations across Northern California. Firefighters are battling 22 large
wildfires that have burned nearly 170,000 acres. Firefighters are bracing for
the winds to shift this evening and increase in speed. 17 people are confirmed
to have died in the wildfires this week. 11 people alone died in the Tubbs Fire,
making it the 6th deadliest fire in our state’s history.
While damage assessment continues on all the fires, it is estimated that at

Evacuation orders still in place as over 115,000 acres burn in California

17 large wildfires that started in the past 24 hours continue to burn across California and have burned over 115,000 acres. The winds that fanned these fires Sunday night and Monday morning have decreased significantly, but local winds and dry conditions continue to pose a challenge. With the decrease in the winds combined with cooler weather, firefighters made good progress overnight. Sheriff officials have confirmed that 11 people have died as a result of the wildfires in Sonoma, Mendocino, Napa and Yuba counties.

73,000 acres burn in California in 12 hours- 1,500 structures burn, 20,000 people evacuated

Overnight significant winds fanned over a dozen fires across Northern California. 15 new wind whipped wildfires in nine counties have already burned over 73,000 acres in the past 12 hours. Firefighters have been challenged with winds gusting in excess of 50 mph causing extreme rates of spread and volatile burning conditions.

Fire Fest returns to the South Shore

Event Date: 
September 30, 2017 - 10:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Helicopters, fire trucks, K-9s and demonstrations are just a few of the activities planned for 23rd annual Fire Fest on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe.

Admission is free and the event is a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.

Investigation into Lake Valley Fire Captain injury completed

A Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) Captain who was injured when he fell off a fire truck is home recovering and the investigation into his accident has concluded.

On August 27, 2017 at approximately 3:11 p.m., Lake Valley Fire Engine 7 was returning to the South Shore after responding to a traffic collision near Strawberry. As the truck with its occupants began an incline on Highway 50 around a curve between Twin Bridges and Camp Sacramento, the captain began to remove his turncoat. In order to fully remove it, he disconnected his seat belt and headset.

Choices limited on what to do with California's 102M dead trees

There are now an estimated 102 million dead trees in California, creating unhealthy forests that are prone to major and catastrophic wildfires. Even though funds are being allocated to remove many of them, where will that timber go?
For now, there aren’t many options because of what has transpired from the government since 1968.

In that year the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior issued orders restricting the volume of timber that could be harvested from Federal lands in the West. It was updated in 1969 to limit the total harvested to 350-million-board-feet.

New partnership established to protect Lake Tahoe and Central Sierra

Today at the 21st annual Lake Tahoe Summit, the creation of a new partnership of state, federal, environmental, industry, and research representatives working together to protect Lake Tahoe and the surrounding central Sierra Nevada was announced. The effort, the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative, is focused on restoring the health and resilience of the area’s forests and watersheds. It builds on the legacy of work that has been done to “Keep Tahoe Blue,” and a variety of activities already underway in the Central Sierra landscape.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Meston to head California Fire Chiefs Association

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Meston has been elected as president-elect of the California Fire Chief's Association (CalChiefs). The 925 voting members of the association voted for Meston during their recent election period that concluded August 4.

This is not only the first time a chief from South Lake Tahoe has been elected to the state's top spot, but also the first time anyone has from cities along the Sierra Nevada.

"I am rally humbled and very much thrilled," Chief Meston said of his appointment.

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