fire district

Prescribed fires planned around Lake Tahoe this week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, are planning to continue prescribed fire operations this week in some locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting.

In the map above, the following areas are planned:

A) Cave Rock Area - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 5 acres
B) Kingsbury/ Edgewood Creek - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 70 acres
C) Lyons Ranch, West of Golden Bear Subdivision - California Tahoe Conservancy will be burning 10 acres

Longtime Tahoe Douglas Fire Battalion Chief retiring

For 37 years, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) Battalion Chief Rich Nalder has served the community, and now, he's retiring.

Nalder’s service to the Lake Tahoe community began in 1980 and he soon became instrumental in the design and implementation of TDFPD Special Service programs such as rope rescue, confined space and water rescue.

Douglas County prepares for possible flooding

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and a wind advisory for Douglas County through late Friday night on November 16, 2017. Douglas County Emergency Management is preparing for changing flood conditions and the safety of Douglas County residents. Updates will be posted to http://www.douglascountynv.gov/AlertCenter.aspx

Tahoe Douglas Fire offering free ash cans to those living in their district

Cooler nights are prompting residents to start burning wood in the fireplaces and stoves, and proper disposal of the remaining ashes are important in preventing fires in trash cans and yards.

The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District has partnered with Kingsbury Hardware again to provide ash cans to the homeowners of the Fire District for the safe disposal of hot ashes. This program is available free of charge to those residents who are part of the district who use a wood burning appliance to heat their homes.

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.

First tornado warning issued for the Lake Tahoe basin; Waterspout and funnel cloud spotted

The National Weather Service (NSW) in Reno today issued their very first tornado warning for the Lake Tahoe basin.

At 3:45 p.m. a severe thunderstorm warning was issued first for the middle of Lake Tahoe near Glenbrook. At that time one of their team members saw a funnel cloud over Incline Village and sent in a photo, so the tornado warning was issued immediately.

Even though Wednesday's warning was the first for Lake Tahoe, there have been five issued for northwest Nevada since 2000 according to Scott McGuire of the NWS Forecast Office in Reno.

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

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.

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

Wildfire Safety Expo in South Lake Tahoe Saturday

Event Date: 
June 17, 2017 - 12:00pm

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue along with multiple local agencies are coming together and hosting the 4th annual Wildfire Safety Expo on Saturday, June 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the TJ Maxx parking lot located at the “Y” where
Highways 50 and 89 intersect.

Everyone one is invited to the free event with lots of information about being prepared in case of a wildfire.

Events planned in Lake Tahoe for Fire Awareness Month

Event Date: 
June 25, 2017 - 11:00am

The snow is melting, water is flowing, and wildfire fuels are growing. Despite all the moisture, the wildfire threat remains a concern. Preparing your home and community now is more important than ever. June is “Wildfire Awareness Month” in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team are continuing last year’s campaign by asking all Tahoe residents and visitors to “Think First to Keep Tahoe Fire Safe”.

Wildfire Awareness Month: Remembering Angora

This June is wildfire awareness month at Lake Tahoe. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the Angora Fire, the most destructive wildland fire in memory at Tahoe.

An illegal and abandoned campfire started the Angora Fire on June 24, 2007. The fire quickly spread toward Meyers, stoked by strong winds and forests overgrown with hazardous fuels. In a few days, the fire burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 homes.

Youth in Juvenile Treatment Center earn CPR/AED cards

Eleven youth detained at the Juvenile Treatment Center (JTC) in South Lake Tahoe recently received two certifications: American Heart Association Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).

This was the first time the course was offered to the youth housed at the facility, and not only did they get these important certifications but they also earned school credits.

Prescribed fire operations to continue next week around Lake Tahoe

If conditions are favorable next week, the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations starting Monday, April 17. If favorable, operations are scheduled near Meeks Bay, Tahoe City, Glenbrook, Round Hill, Lower Kingsbury Grade, South Lake Tahoe, and Meyers. Weather permitting, operations may continue over the next several weeks.

The following areas are scheduled:

A) 30 acres in the Glenbrook Area - Tahoe Douglas Fire District

Tahoe Douglas Fire promotes Ralph Jones to Battalion Chief

Ralph Jones, a 17-year veteran of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, has been promoted from captain to battalion chief.

Jones has been in fire service for over 30 years and was previously with the East Fork Fire Protection District. He started with TDFPD in 1999 as a firefighter/paramedic.

"He is an accomplished and respected peer," said Eric Guevin, Fire Marshal.

Chief Jones has been married to his wife Julia for 37 years, and they have three daughters, three sons and five grandchildren. He resides in Minden where his service started as a volunteer firefighter in 1984.

Douglas County declares State of Emergency prior to Spring runoff

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners have declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential of flooding associated with spring runoff and for stormy conditions such as this weekend. . The declaration has been submitted to the State of Nevada and will allow regional partners to expedite mitigation efforts as well as speed up the delivery of resources required to more effectively respond to an emergency.

Lake Valley Fire crews respond to Meyers roof collapse

Lake Valley Fire Department (LVFD) crews responded to a roof collapse off of Nahane Street Wednesday morning. The flat roof and deck collapsed over the garage of the Meyers area home had due to a heavy snow load.

A neighbor saw the damage March 22 and called it in, but they are unsure of when the incident actually occurred.

Crews immediately shut off the gas to the property and notified Liberty Utilities, Southwest Gas, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department and Building Department.

Douglas County prepares for onslaught of wet weather

With flood warnings up around Northern California and Western Nevada, Douglas County officials are alerting residents of a flood watch issued for the area from late Saturday night January 7 through Monday morning, January 9.

Douglas County Emergency Management is preparing for changing flood conditions and the safety of Douglas County residents.

Family pets killed in early morning fire in Round Hill that displaces residents

1/1/17 update 3:20 p.m. - A local restaurant manager has been identified as one of the victims in the South Lake Tahoe New Year's fire that destroyed both sides of Round Hill duplex.

Joanna Janowicz, manager of Casey's, an American Cantina at the Round Hill mall, her five-year-old son and boyfriend were out to dinner when fire broke out in their home, destroying all of their belongings and killing their three pets.

More prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe starting Monday

The North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts may continue prescribed fire operations next week if conditions are favorable. Areas scheduled to be burned are in the Glenbrook, Round Hill, Lower Kingsbury Grade and Tahoe City area.

To view a map with project locations and details, visit the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) website at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Burns in areas A-D (see map):

(A) North Lake Tahoe Fire District will be burning 5 acres in the Bunker Drive area.

Tahoe Douglas Fire District promotes Jim Antti

Jim Antti started off working as a firefighter/paramedic for Tahoe Doulgas Fire Protection District 24 years ago, and today he is their new assistant chief.

Antti was hired in June of 1992, promoted to captain in February, 2003, and to battalion chief in June, 2013.

Letter: I respectfully ask for your vote for Lake Valley Fire District Board

As a resident of the District for the past 38 years, with the last 11 years serving as Director for the Lake Valley Fire District (LVFD) Board and 10 years as Chairman of Cal Tahoe JPA, our local emergency medical service (EMS) provider, I wish to leverage my experience and continue my passion for community service as a Director of LVFD. With a distinguished career in public service of over 40 years, having many years of experience in oversight and management in local Fire District some noteworthy accomplishments are:

Lake Valley Fire promotes and hires seven, welcomes Chief Alameda

It wasn't your normal badge ceremony and pinning at Lake Valley Fire District firehouse in Meyers, a celebration of a new hire or new promotion. This time, it was historic, a ceremony that saw not only new new hires, but the promotion at all ranks in the department, including a new Fire Chief.

Reminder: Annual Firefest venue and activities have changed!

Due to a venue conflict, the 2016 FireFest will be held at Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe on Saturday, September 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The free event is open to the public.

Fire danger at Lake Tahoe remains a concern for fire officials

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is reminding the public that fire danger in the Lake Tahoe Basin remains high due to the ongoing drought and lack of precipitation. Illegal campfires and warming fires continue to be a concern for fire officials and are the major cause of wildfires in the basin. Fire restrictions are still in effect on National Forest land and will remain in effect until the official end of fire season.

New chief at the helm of Tahoe Douglas Fire Department

Retired Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief Ben Sharit can now rest assured that his former fire department is in good hands with the promotion of Scott Baker to Fire Chief. Baker took over the controls in July 1.

He came to the Tahoe Douglas Fire Department in December as Assistant Chief as a nation-wide search, but it turned out they didn't have to look far as Baker was Division Chief of Fleet and Facilities for the Reno Fire Department.

Letter to the Editor: City’s 4th of July Parade a huge success

The City of South Lake Tahoe hosted its first annual 4th of July parade on Monday, July 4, 2016. There were a total of 78 vehicles and approximately 200 people on foot either walking, biking, or dancing. American Legion Post 795 served as the parade marshals.

The City of South Lake Tahoe would like to say "Thank You" to all the parade participants, businesses and volunteers for making the 4th of July parade a fantastic community event!

The following current and former US armed forces members participated in the 4th of July parade;

Think First—Keep Tahoe Fire Safe!

The hot, dry days of summer will soon be upon us. Preparing your home for wildfire is more important than ever. And now is a good time to get started. June is “Wildfire Awareness Month” in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team are asking all Tahoe residents and visitors to “Think First to Keep Tahoe Fire Safe”

Search for missing Cameron Park teen suspended due to high water

A Cameron Park teenager is still missing in the Bucks Bar area, near the North Fork of the Cosumnes River. On Saturday, May 29 at 12:08 p.m., the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office received a call of the missing 15-year-old who was hiking in the area with family and became separated from the group and was last seen near the river.

Local ambulances in need of new heart monitors, purchase held up by JPA

It has been about 18 months since the Cal Tahoe JPA voted to spend $192,000 on badly needed EKG monitors for the nine ambulances that serve the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers area. As of March 31, not a dime has been spent due to a division between the two fire departments that are part of the JPA.

"I don't want public safety to get in the way of politics," said SLT City Councilman Tom Davis at Thursday's emergency JPA meeting. Davis is one of two Council representatives on the JPA board. The other is Mayor Wendy David.

SnowGlobe charges and fire code change voted on at SLT City Council meeting

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Code has changed, much to the appreciation of both homeowners and contractors who had to deal with different codes, depending on the location of the home, City or in the County.

The council voted to remove restrictions on the fire sprinkler code (Chapter 5.20) to be more in line with Lake Valley Fire District. The City's stricter code confused contractors who build houses in the city, and in the county, and it was also found to be cost prohibitive for homeowners wishing to remodel.

Gregory “Scott” Baker named Tahoe Douglas Fire's new Assistant Fire Chief

Gregory "Scott" Baker has joined the Tahoe Douglas Fire District as their new Assistant Fire Chief, replacing Mark A. Novak who left the department a year ago to become the new Fire Chief in Vail, Colorado.

Baker, who brings with him over 20-years of service, comes to the fire district from the Reno Fire Department where his most recent position was that of Division Chief of Fleet and Facilities.

Lake Valley Fire seeks public's help to clear out over 1,000 hydrants

With over 1,000 fire hydrants within the borders of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District, they have unveiled the "Adopt a Hydrant" program.

It is impossible for fire crews to shovel and maintain all of them in a timely manner and since the California Fire Code requires fire hydrants to be free of obstructions and immediately identifiable, LVFPD is asking for the public's help.

Prescribed burns continuing in Lake Tahoe basin

Lake Valley and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks and the U.S Forest Service have plans to continue widespread prescribed fire operations beginning February 1.

Lake Valley operations: 50 acres northeast of Lake Tahoe Airport off of Barbara Avenue. Planned ignition February 3. 10 days of burn down time. Smoke expected to travel southwest.

Fire Chief with history of alcohol problems resigns after DUI arrest

Garden Valley Fire Chief William Dekker resigned today after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).

On December 18, at about 1:50 p.m., El Dorado County sheriff's deputies responded to a call of a neighbor dispute in the town of Greenwood, 17 miles north of Placerville. The person who called 911 said his neighbor, Dekker, had threatened to shoot him during a dispute over a loose dog, according to a statement released by the Sheriff's department.

Opinion: Lake Valley Fire wants ambulances staffed by firefighters

It has been and will remain the mission of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District to provide the highest level of public safety services for our community, its people, and the environment. As our motto states, it is “Because We Care “. Driven by these guiding principles, in 2001 the LVFPD entered into a partnership with the City of South Lake Tahoe to provide fire based ambulance transportation and advanced life support paramedic services throughout the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue expands EMS staffing

In a move that will save the city money as well as increase staffing, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue added 12 new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) specialists to their staff on December 14.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is now the only fire department in the Tahoe basin to have three firefighters on each engine at all times and two EMS specialists in the ambulance.

Todd Moss promoted to Tahoe Douglas Fire Battalion/EMS Chief

Todd Moss has been promoted to Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Battalion Chief. The South Tahoe High graduate has been with the department since 1998 when he started at a firefighter/paramedic.

In his new capacity, Moss will be responsible for the day to day operations for A Shift. Moss will also serve as the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief and Custodian of Records. Chief Moss will be the NV PERS Chief Officer Representative, a member of the Employee Benefits Committee and he will oversee the GASB 45 and 68 compliance requirements.

Tahoe Douglas Fire District Blood Drive

Event Date: 
November 10, 2015 (All day)

There is another community opportunity to donate blood, this time at Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District's station at 193 Elks Point Road in Round Hill on Tuesday, November 10, 2015. Save time and make an appointment ahead of time.

Blood facts:

While you're reading this, a local area patient needs blood.

Blood is needed every two seconds.

About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District honors William Wright

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District honored Attorney William Wright with a “Proclamation of Thanks” at the Board meeting held on October 8, 2015.

Wright served as legal counsel to the board for the past 25 years and is now going to enjoy retirement.

The District thanked Wright for his service and dedication to the
Department and it's constituents.

Blood Drive at Tahoe Douglas Fire

Event Date: 
September 15, 2015 - 12:00pm

There is another community opportunity to donate blood, this time at Tahoe Dougls Fire Protection District's station at 193 Elks Point Road in Round Hill. Save time and make an appointment ahead of time.

Blood facts:
While you're reading this, a local area patient needs blood.
Blood is needed every two seconds.
About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood.
Blood is always needed for treatment of accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs and surgery patients.

South Lake Tahoe blood drive

Event Date: 
July 21, 2015 - 12:00pm

The Tahoe Douglas Fire District is holding a blood drive on July 21, 2105 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the fire station.

The station is located at 193 Elks Point Road in Zephyr Cove, Nevada.

Set up an appoint here and use the code "tahoefire".

Multiple Fires sparked In Carson Valley; 7,000 without power

9:00 p.m. update:

This just in from the Douglas County Sheriff's Department: On June 27, 2015, at approximately 6:17 p.m., the East Fork Fire District in Douglas County responded to a report of several wildland fires along the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

There have been reports of six fires along the west side of the Carson Valley.

East Fork Fire, along with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have responded to the multiple fires and are working to access each of the fires.

Be Fire Safe: Outdoor fire pits, legal or illegal?

Fire pits. The outdoor means to a perfect s'more and good conversation around a fire on a cool summer evening. But, in the midst of a drought are they safe? Are they legal when fire restrictions are in place?

There are three fire district jurisdictions just in South Lake Tahoe, along with the U.S. Forest Service, and they all have different rules concerning the backyard fire pit. One thing they all do share is for residents and visitors to be smart about fire and to not be careless.

Dozens of Skyland residents evacuated during fire drill

Every year, South Lake Tahoe fire agencies prepare to fight fires around the basin but they rarely get to practice evacuations of residents.

That opportunity came on Monday when the Tahoe Douglas Fire District and Skyland Fire Adapted Community executed an inter-agency wildfire evacuation drill in the Skyland neighborhood.

The drill simulated a real evacuation event to give residents the opportunity to practice evacuating from their homes and getting to the designated safe zone.

Neighborhood evacuation drill in Skyland on Monday

Event Date: 
June 8, 2015 - 10:00am

The Tahoe Douglas Fire District and Skyland Fire Adapted Community will execute an inter-agency wildfire evacuation drill on Monday, June 8, 2015 between the hours of 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The drill will simulate a real evacuation event to give residents the opportunity to practice evacuating from their homes and getting to the designated safe zone. Situations which could cause a neighborhood evacuation would be a wildfire, earthquake, hazardous spill or some other catastrophic event.

Dump'n Donuts to kick off 'Compost Your Combustibles'

Event Date: 
May 23, 2015 - 9:00am

Douglas County homeowners have an opportunity to compost their residential yard waste early this fire season when TDFPD hosts a kickoff event for Compost Your Combustibles with coffee and donuts on Saturday, May 23 at 9am. The free annual recycling program which historically has started on Memorial Day Weekend is now open at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Boulder Lodge Parking Lot.

Tahoe Douglas Fireman completes HAZMAT

T.C. Ghisletta of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Department just completed a four week HAZMAT course, earning his HAZMAT Technician certification and a spot on the Quad County HazMat Team. This is a specialized team from Douglas, Central Lyon, Carson City and Storey Counties.

Ghisletta began his career with the fire district in 2008 as a seasonal Wildland Firefighter/Crew Foreman with the Zephyr Fire Crew. He attended paramedic school with REMSA in 2012 and was promoted to a firefighter/paramedic in 2013.

Early start to fire season: Brush fire in Douglas County

A wildland fire off of Highway 395 was quickly contained by the Douglas County East Fire District Friday afternoon.

At approximately 4 p.m., the report of a fire burning just north of Stephanie Lane in Minden, NV came into dispatch. The quick moving fire spread to the dry sagebrush along the highway, closing the northbound land between Minden and Carson City for awhile.

By 6:30 p.m. Friday the fire was 95% contained and the road has reopened. It is estimated at this time that 3-4 acres burned.

Sesame Street Fire Safety Workshop being held in Douglas County

Event Date: 
March 28, 2015 - 9:00am

East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts, Tahoe Douglas Fire and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office have partnered with The Fire Prevention Association of Nevada (FPAN), to present the Sesame Street Fire SafetyWorkshop, Teaching Fire & Life Safety Behaviors.

This training is being offered for the first time in Northern Nevada. This opportunity is valuable to professionals dedicated to day care, pre-school and early childhood development; providing tools and technics to teach fire and life safety behaviors.

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