Operation Save Lake Tahoe - $60M plan to bring in permanent firefighting helicopters

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There is no firefighting or rescue helicopter assigned to the Lake Tahoe region on a dedicated, permanent basis, and Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief Scott Lindgren is trying to change that.

Lindgren has created "Operation - Save the Tahoe Basin" to bring the valuable tool to not only the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe but to all of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.

It will not come cheaply and he estimates he will need $60M to create a helicopter base with two helicopters.

Fundraising is already underway, with $100,000 coming in just 20 minutes during a recent Chase International meeting. Due to the high price tag, while these donations are very helpful, it will take some large donors to help the efforts get to the finish line.

The Caldor and Tamarack fires in 2021 were a wake-up call to the very real and potentially devastating threat of wildfire to the Lake Tahoe Basin. Lindgren says the fire rescue helicopter program would greatly improve the level of protection and response, and save lives, property, and wildlife.

Lindgren came to Tahoe Douglas Fire last year after spending 33 years with CalFire, most recently at the helm of Amador El Dorado Unit (AEU). His duties included that of McClellan Air Force Base, with expertise in aircraft support.

"When I came to Nevada I saw the need for aircraft," said Lindgren. "There were no fire/rescue helicopters in the Lake Tahoe Basin."

He said there is a giant hole in the middle of the Sierra without helicopter coverage, and that is the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding mountains.

The US Forest Service will bring in the Super Scoopers and fire fighting helicopters at times, but they are a national resource and can be moved to other states at a moment's notice. Bridgeport will have seasonal aircraft for fighting fires. A closed base in Auburn once had helicopters for fighting fires, but they have since gone.

"Helicopters can aggressively attack new fires," said Lindgren. "We need our own that stay here, that are dedicated to the South Shore."

With 40 percent of fires in the Sierra started by lightning, the helicopter is an excellent tool to attack first.

The helicopters that would stay in Lake Tahoe would also be used for rescue operations as they'd have paramedics and rescue personnel on board and could drop in quickly in the backcountry. CHP in Auburn has a law enforcement helicopter that comes into the Lake Tahoe basin if available to assist with rescues.

"We called for a helicopter rescue last year but were fourth in line to get help," Lindgren said of the CHP Auburn helicopter. "We need them 365 days a year, 24/7 with night vision."

When the fundraising is complete, the helicopters would be specially created, just as fire engines are. They aren't built until purchased. The company would supply Tahoe Douglas Fire with the specialty equipment for the 18 months needed until their own was completed.

Lindgren is working with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to find the best location for a helicopter base, one not near neighborhoods. He said they will be responsible for the public's money and create a sustainable program that would serve the whole Lake Tahoe Basin, Martis Valley, Carson Valley, Truckee Northstar, Alpine County, Desolation Wilderness, and beyond if needed.

They want the two helicopters as there are always ongoing maintenance, safety, and inspection needs and with two there was a guarantee one would always be ready at a minimum.

"Sixty-million dollars is small in comparison to the cost of suppressing wildfires," said Lindgren. "The cost of fighting the Caldor Fire was over $250 million, with billions of dollars in damage."

To fight the fires when small, the helicopter is an asset, especially during a time when there really is no "fire season" and they can start almost any time.

"It's the right thing to do, it will save property and lives right away," said Lindgren. "It's a no-brainer."

Tahoe Douglas Fire has teamed with the Parasol Foundation for Operation - Save the Tahoe Basin. A fund has been opened up there, and they have been offered free marketing efforts by KR Squared Marketing of Stateline.

Lindgren says no donation amount is too small and they appreciate all amounts.

"Everyone, young and old, has concerns of fire," the chief added.

For more information or to donate, visit https://tahoefire.org/helicopter.

June 26, 1946, was the first time a helicopter was used in firefighting, and it has been proven to be a valuable tool in wildland fire operations since then. They have been used for many purposes from transporting firefighters, moving cargo and equipment, dropping water and retardant, flying reconnaissance and observation missions, aerial ignition work, long lining, and simply providing eyes-in-the-sky fire information to the incident commander.

Still, 76 years later, there are few fires where this aviation resource is not utilized in some capacity.

With Operation Save Lake Tahoe, that resource would permanently be in the Lake Tahoe Basin.