calfire

STPUD candidates respond to questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.

South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.

FAQs from the US Forest Service on closures

The USFS regional emergency closures have created a lot of questions from forest recreational users. Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQ) provided by the Forest Service:

Q) Is there an imminent threat of fire, are we in immediate danger?

Fire updates: Fork, North, Slink, Creek

There are over 40 major fires currently burning in California, filling skies with heavy smoke from the ocean to the Sierra up and down the state. While there are no fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin, there are a few close enough to be responsible for sending smoke into the region. The closest is the Fork Fire east of Lake Tahoe about 13 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. To the south is the Slink Fire and northwest is the large North Complex.

Fork Fire

Statistics on the Fork Fire have not been updated all day. As of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday the estimated size was 2,500 acres.

Zephyr Fire and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue crews help with defensible in Al Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Al Tahoe neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe has been working on becoming a Fire Wise community, and this weekend's defensible space project took them closer to obtaining this recognition.

Are you ready in case of a wildfire at Lake Tahoe?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With 367 current wildfires in the state of California, fire fighting resources are spread thin. Calfire If there was a fire in South Lake Tahoe, are you prepared?

Tens of thousands of residents are evacuated from their homes in Napa, Sonoma, Santa Cruz, Salinas, Grass Valley, Nevada City and other cities in the state. Most of the fires were started by a massive lightning storm over Northern California Sunday where over 10,800 lightning strikes were observed.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue promotes three to position of captain; adds three firefighters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue recently held ceremonies for the hiring of three new firefighter/paramedics and the promotion of three to the rank of captain. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, ceremonies were small and held at the fire station during their shifts.

Captain/Paramedic Mike Taormina

Tuesday: Numbers Fire south of Gardnerville now at 18,000 acres and 0% containment

UPDATE 7:335 p.m.: Douglas County officials say the Numbers Fire has now reached 18,000 acres and is 0% contained. The recommended evacuations for the Bodie Flats and Pineview areas have been lifted. Only residents are allowed to these areas. Please drive safely, watch for emergency vehicles, and be ready for possible future instructions in an ever-changing situation.

Multiple local, state, and federal agencies continue to work on containing the fire using dozers, hand crews, and aircraft.

Crews working on two lightning caused fires at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe and the Sierra had a lot of lightning and thunder Tuesday afternoon, leading to a few fire starts in the area. The Alert Tahoe Fire Camera system was active with fire officials able to zoom in on possible problem areas.

Summer fire restrictions around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire season is upon us and many restrictions are now in effect where outdoor burning, campfires, and fire pits are concerned. 2020 started out with the driest February on record since the 1850s, and there is an increased fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region.

It is important to understand that with all of the different fire areas around Lake Tahoe, there are different rules.

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.

City of South Lake Tahoe newsletter: At Lake Level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The December edition of the City of South Lake Tahoe's "At Lake Level" has been released by City Manager Frank Rush. This month Rush covers SnowGlobe, the 56-acre site and a possible new Fire/EMS station for the community.

56-Acre Site

Smoke from Caples Fire continues to enter Lake Tahoe Basin: 3,042 acres burned, 42% contained

Firefighters working on the Caples Fire made good progress on Sunday. They tied in and secured two indirect containment lines on the south side of the fire with a successful tactical firing operation. The area the fire is burning in is exceptionally steep, rugged, with no road access - conditions not safe for direct line construction. Today’s burning and the fire’s natural progression in the past three days has been a low-intensity underburn, consistent with the objectives of the ecological restoration project. The night shift Sunday will monitor and hold established containment lines.

Low nighttime temperatures aiding suppression of Caples Fire

There was minimal fire activity on the Caples Fire last night due to near freezing nighttime temperatures, high relative humidity, and very light winds. The natural wind patterns from the west/southwest will continue to be good for suppression actions. Temperatures are moderate during the day and the relative humidity is low, and those nighttime conditions help with light winds and high relative humidity recovery.

Caples Creek Fire within prescribed burn parameter, now 25 percent contained

The Caples Fire burning southwest of Lake Tahoe is now at 2,400 acres and is 25 percent contained. The fire started as a prescribed burn but was changed to a wildland fire Thursday afternoon which allowed more resources to be sent to the scene. It is still within the planned prescribed burn project area.

Smoke is still in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to reduce their exposure by avoiding smoky areas, closing windows, or staying indoors.

Caples Creek prescribed burn turns into wildland fire

The Caples Creek prescribed burn that has been sending smoke into the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley all week has turned into a wildland fire.

On October 10 at approximately 1:30 p.m., fire managers made the decision due to unfavorable weather conditions and the inability to meet previously established objectives. This change allows for additional resources to assist in suppression from partners such as CalFire.

Prescribed burns at Sly Park and Caples Lake sending smoke into Lake Tahoe Basin

A band of smoke to the southwest of Lake Tahoe is being caused by a prescribed 33-acre fire at Sly Park and another prescribed burn near Caples Lake, drawing concern from residents.

The Amador-Eldorado Unit of Calfire is conducting a fuels-reduction burn at the Sly Park Recreation Area in Pollock Pines. The project started October 3 and is expected to last until October 7, 2019.

Another prescribed burn is near Caples Lake near SR88. This is a project that has been burning several thousand acres over multiple years.

Smoke will be visible in the area.

Prescribed burns to resume around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Lake Tahoe Basin Fall Prescribed Fire Program may begin as early as September 24, 2019, under the management of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal fire and land management agencies.

Weather and conditions permitting, California State Park crews may begin prescribed fire operations in Burton Creek State Park near Tahoe City and in a couple of weeks move to D.L. Bliss State Park near Tahoma.

Smoke will likely be present.

South Lake Tahoe fire displaces residents of three apartments

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One apartment is a total loss and two others suffered major damage after a Thursday afternoon fire on Terry Lane in South Lake Tahoe.

At 12:07 p.m., South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to a fully engulfed fire in the 3600 block of Terry Lane. Upon arrival, firefighters found a six-unit apartment building with one of the upstairs units on fire.

The occupants of all six units escaped the fire with no injuries after being evacuated by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

One home a total loss, another suffers major damage after fire near South Lake Tahoe

MEYERS, Calif. - One house is a total loss and another suffered major damage after a 4th of July fire on Tehama Drive in Meyers.

At 9:30 p.m., a call went into Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) of a house fire. At first, the caller thought the fire to be on Seneca Drive but it turned out to be at 703 Tehama Drive.

LVFPD Battalion Chief Brad Zlendick said the fire spread to a second home next door, causing major damage to the attic and sides.

Search teams from Placer and El Dorado County Sheriff's offices search for men missing in area rivers

The Placer County Sheriff's Office was called to the American River Confluence Tuesday evening just before 5:00 p.m. on a report of a young man hanging from a tree, yelling for help. One of their deputies saw the unidentified man going down the river but lost sight of him. The Placer Sheriff helicopter was called in to aid in the search but they could not locate the missing man. The search was called off due to darkness.

The American River Confluence is in Auburn.

City of South Lake Tahoe newsletter: At Lake Level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Manager Frank Rush writes a community monthly newsletter and shares it on South Tahoe Now. The following is the May 1, 2019 edition:

Sign Up for the Brand New City Newsletter

Public meeting in Lake Tahoe to discuss wildfire danger and remedies

Event Date: 
March 18, 2019 - 5:30pm

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A public meeting to discuss vegetation management options in an effort to reduce fire danger in area communities will be held on Monday, March 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at Lake Valley Fire Protection District Headquarters.

Fire is a big concern in Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County and protecting the community and its residents will take management of surrounding vegetation. The meeting will discuss threats and remedies.

Public meeting in Lake Tahoe to discuss wildfire danger and remedies

3/2/19 UPDATE: Due to the projected weather conditions in South Lake Tahoe, the Monday, March 4th Vegetation Management meeting has been cancelled. The meeting well be rescheduled at a later date.

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A public meeting to discuss vegetation management options in an effort to reduce fire danger in area communities will be held on Monday, March 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the upstairs room at Lake Valley Fire Protection District Headquarters.

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.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston hanging up his hat

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire Chief Jeff Meston is retiring from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) on February 28, five years and five months after he came out of retirement to head up the department.

On Friday, February 1, Meston submitted his resignation to the City.

"When I was hired by CM (City Manager) Kerry I promised to spend between 3-5 years with the City Fire Department and bring them as far as I could to be a “world class” fire department," Meston said in his resignation letter.

He feels he's accomplished what he set out to do.

Sierra House Elementary fire caused by power cord overload

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A fire at Sierra House Elementary School on November 11, 2018 was caused by an electrical overload due to “daisy chain wiring” of two power cords in a classroom.

When firefighters from Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) arrived at the school at 9:35 p.m. they found smoke once the front doors were opened and flames observed as they turned the corner near the "upper pod" wing.

Multiple agencies respond to fire at Sierra House Elementary

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - An automatic fire alarm was triggered by a fire inside Sierra House Elementary school at 9:35 p.m. Sunday, November 11, bringing out a full response from fire fighters around the lake and law enforcement.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) was the first on the scene and saw smoke coming from the school which is located at Pioneer Trail and Remington Trail. Once inside they found fire in what is known as the upper pod at the school.

It's fall, that must mean it's time for prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Six different areas around Lake Tahoe have been slated to receive fuels treatment over the next week with some of the prescribed fires starting today, October 10.

Quick response keeps Echo Summit fire contained to small area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An illegal and abandoned campfire near the Pacific Crest Trail ignited a fire on Wednesday evening.

Crews from USFS, Lake Valley Fire and Calfire were called to the 5:20 p.m. fire on September 19. They staged at the Echo Summit Caltrans maintenance yard on Highway 50, and when determined to be on Forest Service land, the Engine 42 crew from USFS hiked into the fire location and the others were on call in case needed.

Fire damages South Lake Tahoe home during dangerous red flag conditions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Had it not been for the quick response by first responders, a fire at a South Lake Tahoe home Wednesday could have been much worse due to the dry conditions and high winds.

Lake Valley Fire Protections District (LVFPD) crews responded to a structure fire off of Lodgepole Trail. Upon arrival crews found the home in flames and additional resources were called to the scene to prevent further spread of fire to neighboring homes and vegetation.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation but appears to be accidental," said Kileigh Labrado of LVFPD.

Fire restrictions in place at USFS locations around Lake Tahoe Basin

Fire restrictions on National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin began Friday, August 17, 2018, and will remain in effect through November 15. Warm temperatures and dry vegetation combined with numerous wildfires burning in our region prompted the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) to implement restrictions intended to safeguard our communities across the Tahoe Basin.

#TeamTahoe focus of Lake Tahoe Summit

The annual Lake Tahoe Summit held this week at Sand Harbor State Park marked the 22nd time government officials, public agencies, non-profit environmental groups, the public and other groups came together to renew their focus and commitment on preserving the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Trees growing into navigable airspace at airport, bid accepted for removal

Trees on the 46.52 acre Lake Tahoe Airport property will soon be removed as required (and overdue) by the California Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics. It has been 11 years since trees have been removed on the property and there is increasing threat into the navigable airspace at north end of runway from trees. The aircraft that frequent the airport would be unable to takeoff with the increased growth.

For the past five years, the department has issued letters of correction to remove multiple tree obstructions on the runway.

Keeping regions safe: Pre-positioning of firefighters this week in Lake Tahoe

For just the second time, fire crews from California communities came together and stationed themselves in a community other than their own on orders from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services(Cal OES).

A red flag warning was up for the Lake Tahoe Basin Friday and Saturday, with high winds, high temperatures and low humidity in the forecast making the situation ripe for a large fire.

El Dorado County fires prompt evacuations

8:00 p.m. update: Omega Fire is 10 percent contained, reported at 80 acres with 1 destroyed residence and two damaged residences. The evacuation center has been relocated to Northside Elementary School, 860 Cave Valley Road, Cool, Calif.

The Bumper Fire is 80 percent contained and it has burned 67 acres according to CalFire.

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Three fires started in El Dorado County Wednesday, prompting law enforcement to evacuate residents from several streets in the areas as firefighters fought the fire from both the ground and the air.

House fire in Meyers under investigation

A house fire in Meyers brought out crews from multiple agencies on Friday, July 13.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) responded to a structure fire call at approximately 11:04 a,m. Crews arrived to the scene on Kiowa Drive to find smoke and flames coming from the lower lever of the home. Firefighters initiated a fire attack and with the help of CalFire, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and North Tahoe Fire, crews were able to knock down the flames and extinguish the fire.

Suspicious car fire in Meyers

A fire destroyed a vehicle parked outside a Meyers residence early Tuesday morning. The call came in at 3:26 a.m. July 17, and Lake Valley Fire Protection District, CalFire and the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) reponded.

The fire was contained to the vehicle which was parked on Zuni Street.

The incident is an active investigation on a suspicious fire, according to EDSO Sergeant Anthony Prencipe.

No other details at this point.

4,000 people pack streets to watch South Lake Tahoe 4th of July parade

The streets were full of residents and visitors in the holiday spirit Wednesday, waving flags and dressed in red, white and blue as the annual 4th of July Parade made its way through South Lake Tahoe. Led by the Marine Band San Diego, the over 200 entries in the parade included children, dancers, cyclists, classic cars and floats delighted those along the route.

An estimaed 4,000 people watched the show, an estimate provided to the City from the Marines as they have to document attendence at events they participate in.

One dead, one arrested in South Lake Tahoe shooting

UPDATE 7/2 8:15AM: The victim in Saturday's shooting has been identified as 44-year-old Christopher Kitchen of South Lake Tahoe. The suspect, 62-year-old Roy Figaro of South Lake Tahoe, is in the El Dorado County Jail and is facing murder charges.

* * *
One person has died after being shot Saturday near the Y in South Lake Tahoe.

Just before 5:30 p.m. on June 30, 2018, officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to the 1000 block of Julie lane after several calls were made into dispatch about shots fired.

Smith Valley fire at 1,500 acres, power out to Walker/Coleville area

10:42 p.m. update: Power restored to all customers at 10:19 pm.

* * *

Multiple agencies have responded to a fire burning in Smith Valley, Nevada that has grown to 1,500 acres as of Sunday evening. It is burning in the area of Highway 208 and the Wellington Cut-Off.

There are approximately 300 firefighters, 25 engines, three helicopters, eight fixed wing and four hand crews on scene fighting fire.

Fire at Tahoma home Thursday, all escaped with no injuries

There was a multi-agency response to a residential structure fire near Antelope and Alder streets in Tahoma on the west shore of Lake Tahoe around 9:48 a.m. Thursday.

When Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (MBFPD) fire engines first arrived, they found the home 50 percent engulfed in flames. Three adults live in the two-story house and two were home at the time of the fire. They were able to get out with no injuries.

Firefighting planes demonstrated in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two examples of the newest tools in the fire fighting toolbox stopped by Lake Tahoe Airport on Tuesday to show how they can help in the Sierra, just as they do across the country.

Dauntless Air out of Appleton, Minnesota brought two Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss planes to town at the request of the United States Forest Service (USFS) and put on a demonstration for South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, CalFire and the USFS from both Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe National Forest.

South Lake Tahoe community treated to Thanksgiving dinner

The South Lake Tahoe community enjoyed a large Thanksgiving dinner Monday night during Bread & Broth's 28th annual holiday meal. Grace Hall was full of people and as of 5:00 p.m., 150 people had already gone through the line which featured turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, stuffing, green beans and dessert.

The volunteers of Bread & Broth cooked 300 pounds of Turkey, 100 pounds of stuffing, 50 pies, 50 pounds of carrots, 90 pounds of green beans and bags of sweet potatoes.

Prescribed fires set to return in Lake Tahoe basin

The fall prescribed fire program in the Lake Tahoe Basin will return in early October, weather permitting, according to the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT). The first areas to be burned have not been announced.

TFFT is made up of local, state and federal fire and land management agencies in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Fire destroys cabin on Echo Lake

An early morning fire destroyed a cabin on the north shore of Echo Lake on Wednesday. Firefighters called to the scene had to get there by boat, the only access to the home.

Crews from Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) responded to the 5:50 a.m. call. The sole occupant had awoken to a smoke filled home and called 911 as they exited the two-story cabin.

Fire burning south of Shingle Springs

Firefighters are making good progress on The French Fire, which has burned 120 acres off French Creek Road, south of Shingle Springs in El Dorado County.

As of 7:00 p.m. September 17, the fire was 20 percent contained.

The fire burned quickly through a cattle ranch after starting Sunday afternoon.

According to CalFire, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Community celebrates local public safety employees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day was held on Thursday, September 7, and community members came out to say "thank you" to personnel from several agencies.

The City of South Lake Tahoe hosted the event which had live music, free BBQ and ice cream and a thank-you card making station.

Kids were able climb on board fire trucks, meet the new Search & Rescue puppy and get to know those who protect them on a daily basis.

Agencies invited were:

Calfire
· California Highway Patrol
· Nevada Highway Patrol
· Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Inaugural National Night Out in South Lake Tahoe a success

The South Lake Tahoe and Meyers communities were out in force at the Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet School on August 1 for the first local observation of National Night Out.

South Lake Tahoe holds 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day

Event Date: 
September 7, 2017 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone is invited out to Lakeview Commons on Thursday, September 7 to say "thank you" to the men and women who protect the South Shore communities at the 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day.

The City of South Lake Tahoe will be hosting the event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature live music, BBQ, a thank you card making station and blue ribbons to tie around the trees at Lakeview Commons as a visual way to say thank you.

This is a multi-agency event to show appreciation:

· Calfire
· California Highway Patrol

Free tree removal for low-income El Dorado County seniors

With tree mortality issues so prevalent in the Sierra, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors today launched a Tree Removal Grant Program for low-income seniors.

“The tree mortality issues in our county remain very serious. We’re just happy to have this program available to assist private homeowners, especially our seniors with limited income, who have no other means to remove dead or dying trees from threatening damage to their homes,” said District IV Supervisor, Michael Ranalli.

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