Al Tahoe neighborhood in South Lake Tahoe becomes Firewise Community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Al Tahoe neighborhood becomes the first Firewise USA® approved area in the South Lake Tahoe city limits. South Lake Tahoe Fire Resceu (SLTFR) made the announcement Wednesday after being notified the Al Tahoe application approval by the National Fire Protection Association.

The neighborhood joins the Golden Bear and Cold Creek neighborhoods on the South Shore, several on the north and west shore, and a growing number of other Firewise USA ® accredited organizations comprised of residents across the nation who are working to reduce wildfire risk.

“I am so proud of all of the team members and volunteers who met the challenges of this past year to complete the risk assessment application requirements. Because of their efforts, the Al Tahoe neighborhood will be better prepared for wildfires,” said Dianne Rees, team leader for the Al Tahoe Community Firewise Committee.

The National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA® program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent loss of property and life.

In order to receive designation as a Firewise Community, Al Tahoe completed a risk assessment of the homes and lots in the neighborhood, developed an action plan to address identified risks, and demonstrated education outreach in vegetation removal, with the support of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Douglas County Fire District Zephyr Crew during their two day clean-up event held last year.

Earning the designation as a Firewise Community recognizes commitment to protecting the community from wildfire and provides support for potential funding opportunities. This is the first community in the City limits to receive this certification.

The Firewise USA® email that was received reads:

Congratulations on successfully completing the criteria to become a nationally recognized Firewise USA® program participant! It is with great pleasure that we welcome Al Tahoe Community to the growing number of Firewise sites, where residents throughout the nation are working to reduce their wildfire risks.

For more information on becoming a participating community, visit HERE. One whole city or section does not have to apply, it can be neighborhoods like Al Tahoe and Golden Bear, or even a few streets together.