sltfr

Several crashes in South Lake Tahoe this weekend, including one involving pedestrian

First responders around the South Lake Tahoe area were kept busy over the weekend with collisions, a jet ski crash and a major incident involving a pedestrian and vehicle.

On Sunday, August 19 at 12:12 a.m., South Lake Tahoe fire and police departments responded to the intersection of Lake Tahoe Boulevard (Hwy 50) and Lakeview Avenue on the call of a pedestrian versus vehicle crash.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds pinning and promotion ceremony

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue welcomed four new firefighter paramedics to their family during a pinning ceremony at the airport Thursday. They also celebrated the promotion of Kevin Van Kirk to Engineer and honored retired Batalion Chief Tim Spencer.

"Fire service is really about family," said Chief Jeff Meston and he opened the ceremony. "This is a special day for South Lake Tahoe."

He explained how tough it is to get a new firefighter on board. There are tests, boards and interviews.

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.

Three fire departments respond to South Lake Tahoe apartment fire

One apartment was heavily damaged during an afternoon fire in South Lake Tahoe Wednesday.

At 4:00 p.m. on July 25, 2018, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) was called out to the Rockwater Apartments in the 700 block of Emerald Bay Road. A fire had erupted on the deck of one of the apartments, apparently at a propane tank.

Construction worker run over in South Lake Tahoe, transported via helicopter to Renown

A man working at the new Gondola Vista Estates project in South Lake Tahoe was transported to Renown Medical Center in Reno via helicopter after being run over by a pickup truck Tuesday morning.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) responded to the 7:31 a.m. on July 24 call as it was originally reported for the area behind Harrah's Tahoe, on the Nevada side. TDFPD was in process of providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) when South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue arrived. TDFPD stabilized the victim and took him to a helicopter landing area at Kahle Community Center.

Fireworks barge catches fire in Lake Tahoe

Two hours after the Lights on the Lake fireworks show ended on July 4, one of three barges used in the show caught on fire.

The fireworks crews on board attempted to put out the fire with fire extinguishers but were unable to suppress the flames. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) monitors the show each year and weren't far away. At 12:27 a.m. July 5, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District responded with their new fire boat, Marine 24, and doused the fire within six minutes.

There were no injuries.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue now has loaner bike helmets as well as life jackets

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has teamed up with LimeBike and California Department of Boats and Waterways (DBW) to keep those having fun on the lake, or on LimeBike scooters and bicycles, safe this summer.

Off-duty firefighters save life of man who fell off kayak in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 22-year-old South Lake Tahoe man is alive today thanks to efforts of rescuers who were on the beach of Tahoe Beach Retreat on Thursday, May 10, when he went underwater after being on a kayak.

At 2:46 p.m., a call was made to 911 about a drowning man in the lake. When the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department arrived three minutes later, two off-duty firemen were on the scene already, along with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

Join the next STAT class with SLTFR

Event Date: 
April 18, 2018 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is another chance to become part of the South Tahoe Action Team (STAT), a team that provides valuable assistance to the community during a disaster.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) is now accepting applications for the next four-week long STAT Class starting April 18, and continuing on April 25, May 2 and May 16. The Wednesday classes run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and participants must be able to commit to all four classes.

SLTFR Captain Leslie Asbury honored

Captain Leslie Asbury of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) was honored during Tuesday's City Council meeting after graduating from the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy Managing Officer Program. It was a two-year commitment for Asbury.

"We are very fortunate to have a committed and dedicated fire officer within our organization," said SLTFR Chief Jeff Meston. "We are honored to work with her."

Christening ceremony for Ms Lisa, the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue boat

In South Lake Tahoe, the name Lisa Maloff is synonymous with philanthropy. She has earned the name "Angel of Tahoe" through her large donations, including $10 million to Barton Memorial Hospital for their new Robert Maloff Center of Excellence (Wellness and Sports Performance Center) and $5.8 million to Lake Tahoe Community College for the Lisa Maloff University Center. To date, Mrs. Maloff has donated $35 million in the past four years.

SLTFR responds to small fire in South Lake Tahoe Easter morning

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to a small fire behind Raley's at Stateline Sunday morning, quickly extinguishing it.

It was probably caused by an abandoned warming or cooking fire according to SLTFR Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen. He said it had probably been used a few days ago and has since been smoldering.

Koeppen said the fire wasn't very big but did spread into a tree. The scene has now been turned over to the U.S. Forest Service as it occurred on their land.

Law enforcement investigating shots fired; Pioneer Trail shut down

UPDATE 5:15PM: Pioneer Trail is back open after multiple agencies responded to the sounds of gunshots near Temple Bat Yam.

At 11:09 a.m. March 18, South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) dispatch received two simultaneous calls for the same general area, one for the shots fired and another for the activation of a burglar alarm. Since they were so close in proximity, police officers responded as they could be related calls according SLTPD Officer Matt Morrison.

City of South Lake Tahoe sues fire truck company

In 2014, City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) took possession of a 2013 model Ferrara ladder truck at the tune of almost $1,050,000. It was purchased to replace the aging ladder truck SLTFR had from 1982 and paid for with funds from California sales tax money devoted to public safety.

Two injured in South Lake Tahoe collision

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) had to use extrication equipment Friday after two vehicles collided at the intersection of 4th Street and South Avenue, sending two to the hospital.

At 4:35 p.m., both SLTFR and South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to the crash. A two-year-old had been sitting on the lap of the passenger in the red car show in the photos. While the driver and toddler were able to get out, the passenger had to be cut out, the safer of the options available according to SLTFR Battalion Chief Tim Spencer.

Community action team, STAT, starts new session in South Lake Tahoe

A new team of South Lake Tahoe residents is being recruited to take part in the next South Tahoe Action Team (STAT) training session. This program is designed to incorporate trained citizens in the field with the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) and other first responders during times of crisis.

The next four-week session starts on Monday, February 5, 2018 and there are still spots available in the free program. They meet on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the SLTFR Training Center next to the Boys & Girls Club at 1100 Lyons Avenue.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual awards ceremony

An overflowing crowd of family, friends and community members filled the City Council chambers Monday as South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue held their 5th annual awards ceremony.

The staff was honored for their service doing a job that protects the lives, homes and environment of the South Lake Tahoe community and its visitors.

"Your recognition is well deserved, and well earned," said Mayor Wendy David.

SLTFR Fire Chief Jeff Meston led the ceremony which honored the following:

Firefighter/Medic of the Year: Dustin Winter
Dispatcher of the Year: Jillian Gard

Small fire at South Lake Tahoe offices under investigation

A fire that started in a bathroom at the El Dorado County Mental Health offices in South Lake Tahoe is under investigation.

The small fire was reported at 4:54 p.m. on Thursday, January 11. It started in a toilet at the offices located at 1900 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. Employees were evacuated but an employee was able to put the fire out with an extinguisher.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded. According to SLTFR Chief Jeff Meston the crews ventilate the building as there was a lot of smoke in the building.

Hundreds working behind the scene to keep all safe at SnowGlobe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Leading up to SnowGlobe, days have been filled with meetings and emergency drills, staffing instructions and planning, all to create a safe atmosphere for the thousands of people in South Lake Tahoe for the three-day music festival.

As the show got underway Friday, December 26, there was a heavy presence of law enforcement and safety personnel, though many of them could not be detected as they moved about the venue in plain clothes. A drone was also in the air, surveying the crowd below.

New graduating class of South Tahoe Action Team members

The South Tahoe Action Team (STAT) is now stronger by ten members as the most recent class of graduates was announced at Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting.

Nearly 100 residents have been trained in the program offered by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR).

“The STAT program is designed to have neighbors helping neighbors,” said South Tahoe Fire Department Chief Jeff Meston.

Weekend full of holiday events in South Lake Tahoe

'Tis the season to be merry and ready to have fun in South Lake Tahoe!

Here is a list of some of things one can enjoy this weekend:

Fender bender sends one to hospital in South Lake Tahoe

A fender bender in front Stardust Lodge sent one to the hospital Monday evening. At approximately 5:21 p.m., the driver of a westbound Subaru was not paying attention and ran into the back of a pick-up truck.

Paramedics and a medic and fire crew from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded along with South Lake Tahoe Police.

The passenger in the truck was transported to Barton Hospital with minor injuries. Both drivers did not have injuries.

No one was cited and alcohol or drugs did not play a factor.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Open House

Event Date: 
October 14, 2017 - 10:00am

During Fire Prevention Week each year, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds their Open House to highlight fire safety in the community as well as opening their doors for tours and activities.

Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., both SLTFR fire stations will be open to the public.

Station #1 is located at 1252 Ski Run Boulevard. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and participate in CPR training. Find life safety info, tours, static displays of fire equipment as giveaways.

New South Lake Tahoe fire engine in town; Wetdown ceremony Saturday

New South Lake Tahoe Fire Engine #3 is ready for service and will be formally initiated in a Wetdown Ceremony during SLT Fire Rescue's Open House on Saturday, October 14.

No injuries in two car collision in South Lake Tahoe

A two-car collision on Highway 50 just before noon Sunday created a traffic jam, but there were no injuries.

At 11:48 a.m. October 1, emergency personnel from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Police Department and JPA ambulance responded to the area in between Motel 6 and Grocery Outlet.

The driver of a white Toyota Camry pulled out of Motel 6 into the path of a woman driving westbound in a tan Toytoa Avalon. The Camry driver was attempting to cross all westbound lanes to head east and did not see the Avalon.

South Lake Tahoe fire stations stocked with loaner life jackets

The use of life jackets saves lives, especially on Lake Tahoe where Cold Water Shock can kill a person in minutes.

It has been a deadly year on the lake, and the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) department has started a new program to help save lives in the future.

California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has partnered with SLTFR in making life jackets available to the public on a loan basis. They have infant, child and adult sizes.

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.

SLTFR getting valuable practice in at old Knight's Inn before demolition

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the end of the old Knight's Inn draws near, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue personnel are getting valuable skill practice in at the two-story building.

Developers will soon be demolishing the old motel in preparation for the Bijou Marketplace so SLTFR has been getting hands on training including ventilation, forcible entry, breaching walls and moving hose lines.

"We hope to train to the very end of standing buildings, squeezing every ounce of training out of the buildings," said SLTFR Chief Jeff Meston.

Fire alarm prompts evacuation of South Lake Tahoe timeshare

Guests staying at Diamond Resort's Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort in South Lake Tahoe were evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a smoke alarm sounded in the Ski Run Boulevard property.

At 4:40 p.m., South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded. Upon arrival they found the guests already outside and they headed in.

Some workmen had been on the 5th floor of the timeshare hotel, soldering on pipes inside the wall. Surrounding insulation ignited and the alarm was sounded as the workmen pulled the smoking culprit out of the wall.

SLTFR responds to call of fire at Al Tahoe home

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to the call of a structure fire on the corner of Nevada Avenue and Tallac Avenue Monday night.

Upon arrival they found that the owner of the home had been working on the water heater. The expansion foam used on the project has volatile fumes that ignited according to SLTFR Battalion Chief Tim Spencer.

Power and gas was shut off to the single story structure as firefighters went through the home and examined the duct work to make sure no fire went into the crawl space.

El Dorado County sends more money to Cal Tahoe JPA for ambulance services

More money is on the way to the South Shore to fund ambulance services thanks to a unanimous vote by the El Dorado County Supervisors during their June 27 meeting. An amendment was made to the original contract between the Cal Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (Cal Tahoe) and the County, giving an extra $790,000 per year as well as funds to buy a new ambulance.

The extra money will help fund a special team for interfacility transfers.

Discarded briquettes cause of fire in South Lake Tahoe

Discarded briquettes have been determined as the cause of a fire Saturday behind a home on Kubel Avenue in South Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue(SLTFR) responded to the fire and were able to quickly extinguish it but not before it burned an outbuilding and some of the yard and trees.

The briquettes had been left next to the shed.

Popular South Lake Tahoe waterfront restaurant closed after water shut off

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An ongoing legal battle between the Tahoe Keys Marina and the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) has resulted in the water being shut off to all buildings at the marina.

Since the Fresh Ketch restaurant and adjacent deli are in one of those buildings, the El Dorado County Health Department shut them down due to a lack of water. A notice was also put up on the apartments in the complex advising residents of unsafe living conditions since there was no running water.

South Lake Tahoe 4th of July weekend: Safety urged for for a fun holiday

South Lake Tahoe area law enforcement, agencies and safety personnel are preparing for a very busy holiday weekend, full of people coming to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. With a very high lake level, and overflowing rivers, caution and safety are urged to have a fabulous weekend in Lake Tahoe.

And they aren't only going to be dealing with water safety. Rules and regulations along the beaches will also be enforced for safety reasons.

Car severs gas meter on South Lake Tahoe home

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is at a home on Chonokis Street this evening after the driver of a car hit the home's gas meter, shearing it completely off its base according to Battalion Chief Tim Spencer.

As of 7:00 p.m., SLTFR was at the scene, waiting for Southwest Gas to arrive to shut the gas off. In the meantime, the fire department was able to plugged the line temporarily.

Nobody was home in the neighboring properties so just one person was evacuated. They will remain out of their home unless Southwest arrives.

First Responder Behavioral Health Fair in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
June 26, 2017 - 4:00pm

First responders and the public are invited to the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue's "First Responder Behavioral Health Fair" on Monday, June 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Airport.

Learn from the experts about the signs and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alternative methods on treatment, stress relievers and other ways to maintain good mental health when dealing with high stress jobs such as police and fire.

10th anniversary of Angora Fire: "I didn't think it'd be fair for us to have fun with the tragedy"

June 25 to July 10, 2007: The Angora Fire destroys 242 homes, burns 3,100 acres, destroys 67 commercial structures, and damages 35 other homes. The fire was 100% contained by July 2 and firefighters had 100% control of the fire on July 10.

July 13 to July 15, 2007: 78 celebrities participate in the American Century Golf Championship at Edgewood Tahoe.

One hospitalized, two dogs killed in South Lake Tahoe fire

A South Lake Tahoe house fire this morning sent one woman to the hospital and killed her two dogs.

At 6:56 a.m. on June 9, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to a fire in a duplex at 973 Paloma Street.

SLTFR Chief Jeff Meston said the occupant, a female, was transported to Barton Memorial Hospital after she suffered smoke inhalation. He said two dogs perished in the fire and animal control was on their way to the home to assist in retrieval.

Residents evacuated after gas leak found at South Lake Tahoe apartment complex

5/29/17 10:45 p.m. update: All of the evacuated residents are now back home after Southwest Gas crews were able to stop the leak and repair the broken main line. At this time those crews are going into each apartment and relighting pilot lights.

According to SLTFR Battalion Chief Jim Drennan the cause of the broken line is unknown. The main is located alongside the apartment's parking lot but the break occurred underground.

* * *

Rescue and law enforcement crews keeping busy over holiday weekend

10:30 p.m. Sunday: Updated story below:

It has been a busy holiday weekend for the South Lake Tahoe fire and police departments.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to 71 calls from May 19-25, 2017.

May 19
10:40 - 1700 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - Smoke detector activation, no fire/ unintentional
13:53 - 2300 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - Assist police or other governmental agency
18:30 - 3600 block of Aspen Ave - No incident found on arrival at dispatch address
21:13 - 1100 block of Stockton Ave - Public service

May 20
07:43 - 600 block of Tahoe Island Dr - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury

Plumber's torch sets off fire at Alder Inn in South Lake Tahoe

Damage was kept to a minimum after a quick response by firefighters from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue on Monday afternoon at the Alder Inn on Ski Run Boulevard.

The fire started on the first floor where a plumber was working with a torch. It went into the second floor through plumbing chases.

"A quick and aggressive fire attack minimized damage to the structure," SLTFR said on their Facebook page.

The call came in at 1:30 p.m. May 1.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue looks to City Council for new boat

Without a boat since 2015, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) will ask City Council for $75,000 on Tuesday for the purchase of a used SAFE boat.

The former fire rescue boat, Marine 17, was taken off the lake (decommissioned) in 2015 after 15 years of service. Needed repairs amounted to more than the value of the boat. Since the SLTFR has borrowed Marine 2 which belongs to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

SLT Fire Rescue quickly douses fire in South Lake Tahoe garage

A quick response by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Wednesday afternoon saved a home from major damage after a garbage can in the home's garage caught fire.

Owners of the home, which is located on Tahoe Vista Drive near Tahoe Island Drive, were at their residence when the fire started.

According to SLTFR Battalion Chief Tim Spencer, the cause is under investigation but it is suspected fireplace ashes disposed in a garbage can are the culprit. He said the fire was contained to the trashcan and a small part of the garage.

Man arrested on arson charges after campfire gets out of hand

A man attempting to warm his feet after a night spent in the forest is now in the El Dorado County Jail on charges of arson on forest Land.

South Lake Tahoe Fire and Police Departments responded to the 11:37 a.m. call on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 on Airport Road. There they found Matthew Raymond Hamilton, 41, who told them he started the illegal fire but it got out of hand and caught a tree on fire. Hamilton called 911.

When SLTFR arrived they extinguished the small fire which was about 3' x 3' and involved a tree stump.

SLT Captain Asbury climbs 69 flights of stairs in Seattle fundraiser

It was a task most wouldn't think of attempting, climbing 69 flights of stairs in the fastest time possible. If that weren't enough of a vigorous endeavor, attempt the climb in full firefighting gear and breathing apparatus.

That's 1,356 steps and 788 vertical feet in the second tallest building west of the Mississippi. All accomplished by carrying an 50-60 pounds of extra weight, and all in the name of charity.

Thinning ice around Lake Tahoe becoming a safety concern for humans and pets

Warming temperatures and the arrival of spring bring not only flowers and the appearance of grass to the Lake Tahoe Basin, but they also bring dangerous thin ice.

In an incident Friday, a local woman was out walking two dogs when they ran onto the ice which broke, and both dogs fell into the cold water at Cove East near the Tahoe Keys. With assistance by a nearby paddle boarder the dogs were rescued, but this brings to light how serious the thinning ice can be.

South Lake Tahoe rollover crash; 19-year-old driver arrested for DUI

A 19-year-old woman was arrested early Tuesday morning after a single-car rollover crash near the intersection of Ski Run Blvd. an Pioneer Trail.

At 2:28 a.m., personnel from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Police Departments responded to the scene where they found a car on its side in the snow.

Both the driver and female occupant had minor injuries.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence and Driving Without a License, both misdemeanors. She was released on $12,000 bail.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from February 23 - 28, 2017.

2/23: 7 calls - 5 EMS, 1 psych interfacility transfer, 1 arcing/shorted electrical equipment

2/24: 12 calls - 5 EMS, 3 interfacility transfer, 1 psych interfacility transfer, 1 dispatched and canceled en route, 1 public service, 1 no incident found upon arrival

2/25: 12 calls - 7 EMS, 1 psych interfacility transfer, 1 water problem, 1 dispatched and canceled en route, 1 alarm sounded/no fire, 1 no incident found upon arrival

Five car collision in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded to a five car collision Sunday, February 26 on Pioneer Trail near Woodbine Road at 9:00 a.m.

One car was stopped, attempting to make a turn onto Woodbine from Pioneer trail when an oncoming driver behind them hit their brakes, couldn't stop on the icy road and went over the guardrail.

As other drivers came upon the accident, they too crashed. The final car involved was looking at the car over the guardrail and didn't see the crash in front of her, swerved, hit the guardrail and slipped.

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