SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno is advising the public of a Fire Weather Watch for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee for late Wednesday night through Thursday evening. The warning is for the increased potential for new fire starts due to lightning.
The thunderstorm chance is up to 40 percent for Thursday, leading to dry fuels; especially early Thursday morning thunderstorms will produce hail and periods of moderate to heavy rainfall. Outflow winds will be up to 40 mph with the storms. Lightning can create new fire starts and may combine with strong outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain it.
Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires. Follow local fire restrictions.
There are currently two Super Scooper firefighting planes parked in front of the Lake Tahoe Airport terminal, with another two at the north end of the ramp. The Canadair CL-415 planes are a national resource, and go where they are needed the most. They can stop off or be stationed at areas like Lake Tahoe, then move to areas of fire activity or a current high dispatch level.
The National Preparedness Level is currently at its highest, a Level 5. The Northern Calfornia./Tahoe area is a Level 3, with the Great Basin area, which is Nevada and much of Utah, at a Level 5.
