Letter: We need universal fire rules in Lake Tahoe Basin

I have lived in South Lake Tahoe on both the Nevada and California side for 3.5 years. Prior to this I was in Summit County Colorado, Florida and grew up in Upstate NY. I have A LOT of outdoor knowledge and experience in my life I am 40-years-old). I was a Physical Education teacher for 9 years and have been a lifeguard for 25. I moved here and lived in my 11x7 camper for 2 winters. Ok enough about me I just wanted to establish some merit.

I am writing this email on behalf of myself and NUMEROUS long-time locals regarding the fire regulations and rules we currently have in place. From my understanding we are in the biggest drought (as a country) ever recorded. Tahoe has blown up with tourism ever since last summer and as you know and see people do insane things with no common sense or intelligent thought behind them. Especially since COVID. We (as a community) feel that there should be more coherence between the fire agencies and regulations around the lake on both the NV and CA sides. Not only is it confusing to people visiting (which seems to be the majority of our population here) but it is truly mind blowing that we can have a burn ban for many places (including gas grills) and others are allowed to have wood bonfires just feet away from the places in which they are banned. The topography and vegetation are exactly the same in these instances so how can there be different rules for different places such as certain campgrounds? We would like to see a UNIFIED FRONT regarding fire regulations at ALL of our different agencies in the Tahoe Basin. That just seems to be the most logical and overall, the safest way to handle such a dangerous season(s).

I understand (especially as an avid camper) that campfires are what make the camping trip...however we cannot be that selfish as to risk our entire community and the wildlife just because we want a wood fire over a propane flame or no flame at all. I think we could provide propane fire pits at the campgrounds for a fee and solve a lot of our problems. Yes, it's still a flame but it's not as dangerous. Seems like we have a lot of Red Flag days here (even if it isn't actually in effect)...I'm also highly concerned that I spoke to NV and CA side sheriff's departments, 3 different fire stations, 911 and the forest service and no one seemed concerned that there was a wood fire at campground by the lake at 12:30 in the afternoon on a nearly 90-degree RED FLAG day. That is very scary. Some said we weren't even in red flag when in fact we were. We have to accept that climate change is real and we have to change with it if we want to keep our beautiful lake and all residents (humans and animals) safe.

I was pleased and thankful to speak with Chief Brad [Zlendick] from Lake Valley Fire Protection District. He was very informative and friendly. I also spoke with Chris from Lake Valley Fire for probably an hour or so and he was very informative and friendly as well. He even called me back after he had to go on a call during our conversation. The entire Tahoe community seems very concerned about the fireworks occurring here on Saturday and Sunday. They have been canceled in more places than not this year. I don't understand how Douglas County can have such strict fire rules (which I 100 percent agree with) and then allow someone to do fireworks on a rooftop during a highly dry and windy season. And then the Edgewood doing fireworks too. It just makes no sense and it certainly doesn't send the message that we are in a very dangerous weather season here and people should be taking it seriously.

Aside from wanting to have universal fire rules and regulations in the entire Tahoe basin, we (as a community) feel that we need much more fire education for the people, especially visitors (many of which are first timers here). Could we maybe do a segment on a major news station every so often? Could we have fun events where firefighters interact with the public and can help them understand things better? For many it's not simply breaking rules its pure ignorance. We have to know and accept that reality and move forward based on that. I also think that no camper should be allowed to check in to a campground without speaking IN PERSON to personnel who can explain the fire dangers and rules specifically. For desolation wilderness we need big and bright signs explaining it along with a hefty consequence (personally I think jail time) posted as well. As we all know a spark or ember can spread very quickly and it can't always be extinguished so quick. The homeless population is also a huge fire concern. Maybe we can provide more meals for them that do not need to be cooked. Maybe we can patrol more of the homeless prone areas and start enforcing on a higher level, rather than just educating people and giving a slap on the wrist. For the past 1.5 years, COVID has made much of the human population completely crazy, careless and reckless. I beg you to take action now so we can prevent loss of life, property and our priceless wilderness. If it would help to get signatures, I can do that. I also plan on sending this email to city council. I will do whatever I can to help.

Lastly, I'd like to send the biggest of thanks and gratitude toward our entire team of firefighters in the Tahoe basin. Your job is selfless and without you we would be in serious trouble. You risk your lives daily for people you don't even know. We all appreciate you so much. Thank you for your time. Hopefully Chief Brad will bring this to the attention of the fire board ASAP.

Thank you.
Crissy Carroll