fires

Lightning sets half dozen Douglas fires

MINDEN, Nev. - East Fork firefighters responded to a 2-acre wildfire off the end of Eldon Way in the East Valley on Monday.Fire Marshal Steve Eisele said that the fire was moving slowly to the s...

Prescribed fires begin tomorrow on Kingsbury Grade

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - U.S. Forest Service fuels management crews will begin prescribed fire operations in the Andria Drive area of Kingsbury Grade, near Stateline, Nev., tomorrow, according to...

Feds settle with PG&E over 2004 forest fires

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California's largest utility and two tree-trimming subcontractors have agreed to pay nearly $30 million to settle federal lawsuits over the cause of wildfires in two national f...

Prescribed fires to be set in Kingsbury Grade area

Prevent fires with proper fireplace ash disposal

Improper ash disposal is a common cause of structure as well as wildland fires. Whether fireplace or barbeque ashes, it is important to understand that embers in an insulating bed of ash can remain...

Lake Valley celebrates 50 years of 'Firefighters Ball'

Fires come and go, but Lake Valley Fire Protection District's annual Firefighter's Ball has stuck around for deades.Now in its 50th year, the fundraising event is set to ignite Friday in the Grand ...

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.

People rarely pay for starting fires in Northern Nevada

National Burn Awareness Week: It doesn't take a fire to burn a child

Across California thousands of people are burned every year in fires and countless lives are lost, including young children.During National Burn Awareness Week, Feb. 5-11. CAL FIRE is teaming up wi...

National Burn Awareness Week: It doesn't take a fire to burn a child

Across California thousands of people are burned every year in fires and countless lives are lost, including young children.During National Burn Awareness Week, Feb. 5-11. CAL FIRE is teaming up wi...

Prescribed fires to be scattered throughout Tahoe basin

Prescribed fires throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin set for Monday, Feb. 6

Prescribed fires are planned beginning Monday at various Lake Tahoe basin locations, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The controlled burns are planned for Kingsbury Grade near North Benjamin; the Logan Creek area; north of Emerald Bay; Kings Beach and McKinney Bay near Homewood.

Movie Review: 'The Grey' tells a fine but grim story of men stranded in the Alaskan wilderness

The action-thriller film "The Grey," currently on view at the Heavenly Village Cinema in South Lake Tahoe, is a stark story of men in wilderness and their efforts to survive. Liam Neeson is the de facto leader after a jet carrying oil field workers crashes in the Alaskan wilderness. It is directed by Joe Carnahan, who also directed 2006's "Smokin' Aces" which was set at South Lake Tahoe and filmed inside MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa.

USFS to set several prescribed fires in Tahoe basin

Prescribed fires continue Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - U.S. Forest Service fuels management crews will continue prescribed fire operations in various locations around the Lake Tahoe Basin on Monday, according to a Friday stat...

Prescribed fire operations continue in the Lake Tahoe Basin on Monday

Prescribed fires are scheduled to continue on Monday at various locations throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. These controlled fires will take place around Kingsbury Grade, Emerald Bay and the Kings Beach area, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Prescribed fires planned in Angora area and West Shore

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - U.S. Forest Service fuels management crews will resume prescribed burning in the Angora fire area tomorrow, according to a Wednesday statement. Fuels management crews wil...

Angora area and West Shore next for Forest Service prescribed fires

A prescribed fire in the Angora area near Tahoe Mountain will begin Thursday and in the Ward Canyon area over the weekend weather permitting, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Lake Valley encourages proper ash disposal following fires

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Valley Fire Protection District has kicked off a "Can Your Ashes" campaign following several house fires linked to improper disposal of fireplace ashes.The campa...

Smoky skies from west slope prescribed fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Prescribed fires in Eldorado National Forest caused smoky skies in the Lake Tahoe Basin Tuesday.The fires are part of an understory burn in the Iron Trap project area loc...

Small fires break out near Vikingsholm, Upper Echo Lakes area

Fire crews responded to two fires this afternoon, one near the boat ramp at Vikingsholm and the other in the Upper Echo Lakes area. Both fires were reportedly small and didn't pose immediate hazard.
A Lake Valley Fire Protection District captain said that crews were sent to the Vikingsholm fire at around 3 this afternoon after a power line went down. The status of the fire was it was about a 10 foot by 10 foot fire and was reportedly knocked down.

High winds expected Sunday prompt Forest Service fire alert

Fire personnel in the Lake Tahoe Basin have been put on alert for this Sunday because of the possibility of strong winds that could cause a wildland fire to intensify and spread rapidly. Lack of rain or snow has already pushed the fire danger level back to high, and the Forest Service is urging the public to use caution with activities that could start a fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

Fire officials on heightened alert because of dry

“We ask that that people remember that campfires and warming fires generally are not allowed on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.” The chart shows fire ...www.laketahoenews.net/.../fire-officials-...

Fire officials on heightened alert because of dry

1 cause was illegal or abandoned campfires,” Forest Service spokeswoman Cheva Heck said in a release. “We ask that that people remember that campfires and warming fires generally are not allowed on th...

Important to discard hot ashes properly

One of the most common fires we respond to is a fire caused by hot ashes being placed in a box or bag and stored on the back deck. When you clean the ashes ...www.laketahoenews.net/.../important-to-di...

Kyburz post office threatened with closure, cuts to service

A sign on the Kyburz Lodge reads "Welcome to Kyburz. Now leaving Kyburz," a reference to the blink-and-you-miss-it community along Highway 50 halfway between the South Shore and Placerville.
But the mountain hamlet is actually home to 110 people and the community is fighting to save its 150-year-old post office, located in the lodge.

Forest Service reminds public no fireworks on New Year's

At the urging of the U.S. Forest Service, visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin should leave their fireworks at home over the New Year's holiday.
“The use of all fireworks is prohibited on all national forests and national grasslands. Regulations are enforced, and violation is punishable as a misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both,” said Forest Supervisor Nancy Gibson.

Crews respond to Kyburz, El Dorado National Forest fires

Firefighters were putting out hot spots this afternoon on a small fire between Highway 50 and Kyburz. According to Capt. Daniel Berlant with Cal Fire, there was a downed, live power line in the area. It was possible the power line was the origin of the flames but that wasn't clear yet, Berlant said. Dry and breeze conditions were also a concern to keep the quarter to half-acre fire from spreading.

Tahoe business and building continues on the west side

By Heather Gould
On the west side of town, two new buildings are under construction and one is for sale: a Raley's gas station at its shopping center at the "Y" and a new California Conservation Corps facility in Meyers, next to Lira's Supermarket, are currently being built, while Sierra Recovery Center is seeking to move out of its location on Emerald Bay Road.
The CCC's motto is "Hard Work, Low Pay, Miserable Conditions and More . . . " But things are about to get a little more comfortable for both corps members and staff.

Agency advises to celebrate the holidays safely

By Tia Rancourt
The winter holidays are a time for celebration with family and friends, and that means more cooking, entertaining, home decorating and an increased risk of home fires due to increased usage of cooking and heating equipment. Most home fires and injuries occur in the kitchen as reported by the U.S. Fire Administration. Here are some simple and easy life-saving tips from the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District to remember during the holiday season:

Turkey fryers a leading cause of fires at Thanksgiving

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District wants to warn residents and guests that cooking fires are the leading cause of fire injuries in homes. These fires are ...www.laketahoenews.net/.../turkey-fryers...

Perfect storm of conditions fueled fire

RENO - One of the worst fires in state history was a nearly perfect storm of unfortunate luck, and unfavorable circumstances and conditions. Ferocious winds, power outages, rocky canyons and gated ...

Forest Service: Dispose woodstove and fireplace ash properly

By Cheva Heck
South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management is cautioning local residents to follow proper procedures for discarding woodstove and fireplace ashes, after responding to two wildfires caused by disposal of woodstove ashes on National Forest System lands.

Forest Service: Dispose woodstove and fireplace ash properly

By Cheva Heck
South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management is cautioning local residents to follow proper procedures for discarding woodstove and fireplace ashes, after responding to two wildfires caused by disposal of woodstove ashes on National Forest System lands.

Ecological Restoration is key priority for Northern California forests

By John Heil
California’s landscapes are under siege from a host of threats. Catastrophic wildfire, climate change, invasive species and increasing human population put these delicate ecosystems at risk. The U.S. Forest Service has recognized and battled these threats for decades, but recently the agency recognized the need for a more focused approach on Ecological Restoration as the primary goal for all land management actions.

USFS plans prescribed fires at Lake Tahoe west, south shores

STATELINE, Nev. - The U.S. Forest Service says it intends to set small fires to clear out underbrush this week on the west and south shores of Lake Tahoe.Fuels management crews are scheduled to beg...

Contractors Waiting For Grant Money for Tahoe Defensible Space Work

A number of companies who help clear the forest to prevent wild fires, have not gotten paid for the work they did this fire season, reports MyNews4.com and KRNV Channel 4 in Reno. Ken Curtzwiler and his company said they were hired to do defensible space work for residents in the Tahoe Basin. Go here for the story.

Angora fire restoration draws complaints

A prescribed forest burn in the Angora fire area caused quite a stir earlier this month after wind gusts of up to 50 mph carried some of the burn slash piles and brush further than what was comfortable for nearby homeowners.
The U.S. Forest Service, however, says that at no point did the prescribed fire, which consisted mostly of slash piles and dead trees, get out of hand and the agency remains both cautious about its undertaking and empathetic to nearby neighbors who rebuilt their homes following the June 2007 Angora fire.

Smoke is from planned South Shore prescribed fires

Smoke that set in around South Lake Tahoe Monday afternoon was from a prescribed burn operation near Meyers. Service fuels management crews have resumed prescribed fire operations on the south side of the intersection of Pioneer Trail and U.S. Highway 50.
In addition, operations were to resume in the Angora fire area weather permitting. Both operations may continue through the week.

Public lands money for parks and trails dries up

Through the sale of $3 billion in public land in Clark County, cities and counties throughout Nevada have built hundreds of parks and trails, pollution has been kept out of Lake Tahoe and forest fires have been prevented. The Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 has been a boon for the entire state. But the good times are nearly over. Go here for more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Forest Service to burn Angora piles this fall

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - U.S. Forest Service crews could begin prescribed fires in the Angora fire area as soon as next week, according to a Friday statement from the Forest Service.The burn pile...

Big Meadow restoration continues along Scotts Lake Trail

By Cheva Heck
The Forest Service will soon begin removing conifers (cone-bearing trees) from meadow, aspen groves and upland forest areas along Scotts Lake Trail, off Big Meadow Trailhead near Luther Pass on Hwy. 89. The project should not affect access to the trail, but the Forest Service is asking that users remain on the trail at all times. A contractor will use crews with chainsaws for the thinning project, which could begin tomorrow.

Two small wildland fires reported Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The U.S. Forest Service responded to two small wildfires Friday.In the morning, Forest Service, CalFire, and the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District responded to a fire at...

Forest Service responds to two wildland fires near Lake Tahoe

The U.S Forest Service responded two two fires on Friday: One at D.L Bliss State park at Lake Tahoe's west shore and the other near Dick's Lake in the Desolation Wilderness.

Chimney sweeping can prevent unwanted fire

We at the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department annually respond to numerous chimney fires, mainly due to creosote buildup in the chimney flue. This type of fire has the potential to extend into your house...

Lightning ignites fire near Meyers station

Lightning has become the culprit of other fires in the Tahoe National Forest, including the Mears, French, Disney, Boca Springs and Groundhog and the ...www.laketahoenews.net/.../lightning-ignites-fir...

Flash flood warning for Tahoe region; more lightning expected ...

Thunderstorm activity hit the Tahoe National Forest all weekend, with more in the ... This brings the total number of fires to four — all small — for the Tahoe ...www.laketahoenews.net/.../flash-flood...

Lightning sparks fires; rain falling in Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe National Forest just before 5pm Saturday said lightning has ignited two small fires. The French Fire — at French Meadows Dam Spillway is a single ...www.laketahoenews.net/.../lightning-spark...

Carson City IHOP Shooting: Four dead, including two National Guard personnel, six wounded (W/TRANSCRIPT)

By Kirk Caraway, Jeff Munson and T. Costa
Update 2:00 p.m.: Here is what we know at this point:

Four people are dead, including the gunman who shot himself and died later at the hospital. Two of the dead where a man and women in the National Guard, who were in uniform.

There is a press conference scheduled for 3 p.m.

A few minutes before 9 a.m., a lone gunman armed with automatic AK-47-type assault rifle drives up to the IHOP on South Carson Street, and begins shooting in the parking lot. Locals BBQ owner Ralph Swagler said he saw the man drive up, and then empty a clip of ammo outside the IHOP, then reloads and goes inside, where he fires more shots very rapidly and exits within a few seconds.

Swagler said the gunman then saw his son locking the door of their business and opened fire at them. He also allegedly fired shots at the H&R Block office next door. Sometime after, the gunman shot himself, and died later at the hospital.

Witnesses recount events

More photos of the scene

Nevada's top forester issues warning about fire danger

By Nevada Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
From Southern Nevada to Lake Tahoe and all parts above and in between, state, federal, local and volunteer firefighting resources have responded to numerous lightning- and human-caused wildfires across Nevada so far this year. The state has lost about 94,000 acres to wildfire this summer, which is significantly less than the five-year average of 428,084 acres a year.

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