flag

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.

Fire restrictions lifted in South Lake Tahoe and Meyers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A burn ban in the Lake Tahoe Basin was put in place this summer in response to the unprecedented and extreme fire conditions in California. While there were no major fires in the Basin there were record setting acres burned across the state.

A ban of charcoal barbeques, wood fire pits and open burning was but in place along with extra bans during Red Flag Warning conditions.

Red Flag Warning, Lake WInd Advisory and snow forecast for South Lake Tahoe in days ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Mark Twain said "the air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious," and this week that air will be colder than it has been. There is a little bit of everything in the five day forecast for South Lake Tahoe.

Starting Thursday, November 5, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin. It will be in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Friday. The forecast gusty winds and critically dry fuels could cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity.

Red Flag Warning for Lake Tahoe Sunday-Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has upgraded their previous fire weather watch to a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin Sunday at 5:00 p.m. to Monday at 5:00 p.m.

The forecast is for gusty winds and low humidity. Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph. Higher gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible along mid-
slopes and wind-prone areas with gusts of 70+ mph along the Sierra Crest.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Last Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/10/06/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log:

10/4

Red Flag Warning for Lake Tahoe Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has upgraded their previous warnings for the Lake Tahoe Basin. There is now a Red Flag Warning in effect Saturday, October 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

The combination of gusty winds and extremely dry fuels can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them, so use extreme caution.

Lake Tahoe Basin fire and camping restrictions extended

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has extended both its emergency camping and fire restrictions.

Camping/overnighting is prohibited in all wilderness/backcountry areas including Desolation, Meiss Country, Tahoe Rim Trail, Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake campgrounds through November. View forest order here.

Some fire and use restrictions continue in the Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - A fire ban continues in the Lake Tahoe Basin. On non-red flag days, home use of BBQs with propane or gas are allowed. All charcoal and wood fires are banned at this time. With all of the recent closures of forests due to fire danger, here is an update of what is open around Lake Tahoe:

National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches in Tahoe Basin are open for day-use only.

All camping, overnighting is temporarily prohibited, including camping in Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country, Pacific Crest, and Tahoe Rim trails.

USFS campgrounds remain closed.

Very high fire danger at Lake Tahoe; Red Flag Warning through Friday

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Lake Tahoe Basin is under Red Flag/Critical Fire Weather conditions through 11:00 p.m. Friday.

California is extremely stressed for resources and it is important for residents and guests to understand the dangers these weather conditions present.

With 70-90 mph ridge winds and low humidity values predicted Thursday night into Friday along the crest of the Sierra, any spark could easily become a catastrophic wildfire.

NV Energy cancels power shut off originally planned for Incline Village

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) event previously forecast for Friday, September 18 for the Incline Zone is canceled due to updated weather forecasts.

There is a Red Flag warning at Lake Tahoe with elevated fire weather conditions and NV Energy will continue to monitor conditions and take extra steps to mitigate wildfire risk. This includes staging their line crews, vegetation management crews and fire agency partners at specific locations around the lake.

Red Flag Warning in effect for Lake Tahoe in addition to Fire Weather Warning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17 to 11:00 p.m. Friday. Earlier this week they issued a Fire Weather Watch for the region but that has now been upgraded to a Fire Weather Warning. There is also a Lake Wind Advisory in place and the Dense Smoke Warning expires Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m.

NV Energy may shut off power to Incline Village for safety concerns

UPDATE 9/17 10:45AM: The Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) event previously forecast for Friday, September 18 for the Incline Zone is canceled due to updated weather forecasts.

There is a Red Flag warning at Lake Tahoe with elevated fire weather conditions and NV Energy will continue to monitor conditions and take extra steps to mitigate wildfire risk. This includes staging their line crews, vegetation management crews and fire agency partners at specific locations around the lake.
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Chris Sneed: The man behind the 9-11 flag flying over US50

Those of us who were alive remember where they were and what they were doing when they saw or heard of the first planes fly into the towers in New York City on September 11, 2001.

Chris Sneed was working in Incline Village on a pipe replacement project for Granite Construction on Lakeshore Boulevard on 9-11-01. He needed a part and ran into Spitsen Lumber. He was in line and saw the store's 12" television showing a plane hit the first tower, and then the second tower.

Fire burning west of Lake Tahoe near Loon Lake

UPDATE 10:30AM 9/9: The Fork Fire is now measured at 2,500 acres. It continues to burn in the Crystal Basin/Gerle Creek area, 15 miles northeast of Pollock Pines.

UPDATE 7:30PM: The Fork Fire in the Pacific Ranger District is 15 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. It is now 500 acres with 0 percent containment and is spreading toward the 2014 King Fire burn scar in the Rubicon drainage on the Georgetown Ranger District.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Some near freezing nights, cooler week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Make sure you check out the Lake Tahoe Basin's Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory for Tuesday, September 7 (SEE HERE).

Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has changed their previous Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday, September 8 from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

They have also issued a Special Weather Statement and a Lake Wind Advisory for Tuesday from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Red Flag Warning

This warning is in place due to gusty winds and low humidity for the Lake Tahoe Basin, Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierrs, and Eastern Nevada Counites. Fire Zone 271 and Fire Zone 272.

Fire Weather Watch canceled for Lake Tahoe area Tuesday

UPDATE Monday 4:20PM: The National Weather Service had changed their previous Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory day, starting at 3:00 a.m. Tuesday. For more info, visit http://southtahoenow.com/story/09/07/2020/red-flag-warning-and-lake-wind-advisory-place-lake-tahoe-t...

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday, September 8 from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (timeframe was expanded Monday).

What you need to know in Lake Tahoe this weekend: No fires allowed, wear a mask

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As tourists fill the Lake Tahoe Basin and locals plan their holiday weekend there are rules that everyone needs to remember - no outside fires with charcoal or wood, and wear a mask.

Although people may want to take a vacation, the pandemic doesn’t so make sure you are following proper safety precautions.

Fire restrictions expand to USFS lands in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start enhanced fire restrictions in national forest campgrounds on September 1, 2020 due to dry conditions.

On August 21, fire agencies around the Lake Tahoe Basin banned all open burning utilizing wood and charcoal at homes, parks, beaches and most campgrounds. LTBMU was not part of that original ban.

All areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin are now under these restrictions.

Body of Gilroy man located in Lake Tahoe

4:30 p.m. UPDTE: The body of the missing Gilroy man was located this afternoon in 117 feet of water off the shore of Lake Tahoe.

The El Dorado County Sheriff's dive team with their remote operating vehicle (ROV) found 25-year-old Ian Morlang. He was brought up to the surface and placed on the South Lake Tahoe Police Marine 1 boat, then taken to the Tahoe Keys Marina.

Police officers draped a flag on Morlang as he was carried into a waiting vehicle.

Next of kin has been notified.

The coroner transported the body to the morgue in Placerville.

New small fire in Christmas Valley area of Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a new lightning-caused fire in the upper, eastern side of Christmas Valley area Tuesday afternoon. Crews were at the scene quickly and there is also helicopter support.

Crew 45 from the USFS-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and Zephyr Crew 21 are at the remote scene near Luther Spires.

A single-tree caught on fire as did a 30x30 foot square of brush.

Smoke is visible from Alert Tahoe cameras.

A second, smaller fire on Ward Peak, along with Monday's fire on Luther Pass are out, and were kept to less than 1/10 acre.

Red Flag Warning for Lake Tahoe Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Red Glag Warning from noon to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25. They are calling for a chance of thunderstorms and strong outflow winds in the Lake Tahoe area.

There is the possibility of isolated to scattered thunderstorms with little, or limited, rainfall though the storms may be a hybrid of wet and dry. The faster storm motions will likely allow for lightning strikes outside of the main thunderstorm cores. With fire fighting resources already stretched thin, any new fire starts will be an issue.

Red Flag Warning to start off the week in Lake Tahoe, ending with seasonable weather

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Unstable conditions will exist to start off the week with a Red Flag Warning until 11:00 a.m. Monday. The forecast is on track for thunderstorms chances through Tuesday as moisture leftover from tropical storm Genevieve moves northward through the region.

There are no thunderstorms in the forecast Wednesday through Saturday and afternoon breezes look to be on the lower-end of the spectrum. Afternoon temperatures should trend down to near normal by midweek but may start to trend warmer next weekend.

Red Flag Warning for Lake Tahoe starts Sunday night

8:30 p.m. UPDATE: The Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. The warning is from 8:00 p.m. Sunday to 11:00 a.m. Monday. Expect thunderstorms and strong outflow wind guest 40 to 50 mph.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Sunday at 8:00 p.m. through Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. for the Sierra, Northeast California and Western Nevada. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno is calling for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds in the area.

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.

Smoke from Loyalton Fire can be seen from Lake Tahoe

8:30 p.m. SUNDAY UPDATE: The Loyalton Fire which originated east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith is now estimated at 29,828 acres and 0 percent contained. It is north and east adjacent to the areas of Beckwourth Pass and Hallelujah Junction.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: After Monday, sunny and warm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Red Flag Warning up for Lake Tahoe and Western Nevada for Monday, July 26 from 5:00 a.m. Temperatures will be near normal Tuesday as the ridge over the Desert Southwest strengthens. By Wednesday afternoon, an upper level trough will move through northern California, which will
subsequently increase winds across the region Wednesday-Thursday. Gusts do not look to be as strong as Monday, and in the 30-35 mph range. Dry conditions will

Fire Weather Watch dropped for area, Red Flag Warning in place Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds for Monday, July 27 from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

Normally, the Basin averages six Red Flag Warnings per season, and this makes four - and it's still July. Please remember all outdoor sources of open flame are prohibited until the Red Flag Warning declaration expires, and that includes gas/propane fire pits and grills.

Red Flag Warning, Fire Watch and Thunderstorm warnings in place for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Reno for Tuesday, July 21 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. followed by a Fire Weather Watch for Wednesday, July 22 from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

South Lake Tahoe rally held to support local law enforcement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Almost 200 people showed up Saturday to display their support of South Lake Tahoe law enforcement during a rally on a national day to "Bridge the Blue."

The supporters gathered at the entrance to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and South Lake Tahoe Police buildings before many of them joined a walk down Johnson Boulevard to US50 over to Lakeview Commons and down Al Tahoe, then back to the beginning.

Column: Wildfire threat still looms

If the 4th of July weekend is any indication, Tahoe is under pressure. As coronavirus cases grow nearly everywhere, people naturally look to the mountains, fresh air, and clear water of Tahoe as a respite. Now residents and visitors alike are struggling to adjust to the confusion around re-opening, and visitation that is normally our lifeblood is suddenly a health risk.

Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe a winner at Korbel's Closest to the Pin Contest

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - During Saturday's second round of the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe, the Korbel Closest to the Pin contest on No. 17 was a big winner for the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.

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.

Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin to start off the week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Lake Wind Advisory in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday, July 6. There is also a Red Flag Warning from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued the Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. Winds will be from the Southwest 15-20 mph with gusts 30-35 mph. The humidity will be 12-20 percent for the duration.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe; Red Flag Warning for Western Nevada

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Expect winds from the west 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Waves on Lake Tahoe will be 2-4 feet. Strongest winds and roughest conditions expected Saturday afternoon and evening, and then again on Sunday.

Small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

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.

Tahoe firefighters knock down east shore fire believed to be started by campers

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Engine 344 firefighters are on scene Monday afternoon after a report of a wildfire on Lake Tahoe's east shore.

The Chimney Fire was reported at approximately 1:00 p.m. and is located on National Forest lands south of Chimney Beach near the shoreline. Firefighters have the fire surrounded and have knocked it down. It was reported to be a five-foot by 10-foot fire, said Lisa Herron, spokeswoman for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

96th birthday celebration for WWII tail gunner in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In September, Danny Francisco was able to fly in a a B-17, 75 years after his last flight, and now today, June 5, the community can honor and celebrate him on this 96th birthday.

Everyone is invited to "attend" his party by driving by with a cheer, a wave, an American flag, or any other birthday greeting. He will be at 2216 Dunlap Street in South Lake Tahoe from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the public can join in a drive-by celebration of this WWII vet. The home is located a block from South Tahoe refuse.

Letter: Yes on Measure B

We would like to urge voters to vote YES on Measure B.

Our Lake Valley Fire Protection District is vitally important to our daily lives, and their firefighters deserve to have safe equipment and apparatus. They are only asking for $52 per year, which is just $4.33 per household per month. Most of us spend more than that in one trip to Starbucks. Let’s help our firefighters!

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.

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.

Services set for slain El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Ishmael

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - Funeral services for El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brian Ishmael will be held on Tuesday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. at Bayside Church Adventure, located at 6401 Stanford Ranch Road in Roseville, CA.

Funerals for law enforcement who died in the line of duty are very large, with people coming from across the country and the world. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) expects thousands of people to attend.

Caples Fire has burned 2,949 acres and is 53 percent contained

10.15.19 7:00 p.m. UPDATE: Tuesday was a productive day for firefighters. The northern ridge and southwestern corner are now contained and being patrolled. The containment lines on the eastern and southwestern sides of the fire containment lines are in progress. The hand line on the south side was extended farther northeast towards Castle Point by crews using tactical firing operations. Stronger winds from the southwest are expected late Wednesday afternoon and evening with light precipitation expected Thursday morning.

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.

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.

Red Flag Warning for western Sierra and Nor Cal valley, PG&E begins safety shut-off

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of interior Northern California up into the foothills to elevations under 5000 feet.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, PG&E began turning off power for safety to about 24,000 customers in portions of Butte, Nevada and Yuba Counties. By approximately 8:00 p.m., PG&E had completed the task of turning off power for public safety to about 24, 000 customers in the Sierra foothills. Power will remain off until weather conditions improve and it is safe to restore service.

Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for the greater Lake Tahoe area from 11:00 a.m. to Sunday to 11:00 a.m. Monday and a Lake Wind Advisory until 5:00 p.m. Monday.

A strong cold front will bring southwest to west winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph beginning Sunday morning and lasting into Monday. The humidity with this front is low - minimum 8 to 18 percent Sunday afternoon, with poor recovery tonight. Minimum 15 to 25 percent early Monday.

Red Flag Warning in place for areas west and east of Lake Tahoe

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for Wednesday, August 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for Carson City and the portion of Douglas County in the valley. Also under the warning are other portions of Western Nevada, the Eastern Sierra and the west slope of the Sierra.

The Lake Tahoe Basin does not fall into this warning.

The Red Flag Warning is for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

Expect:

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