Forest Service set to start fall pile burning in South Lake Tahoe this week

The Forest Service will start their fall prescribed burn operations in South Lake Tahoe this week. The weather conditions expected on Tuesday and Wednesday will determine which area will be burned first.

The two areas that will have piles burned are located near South Tahoe High School and in Christmas Valley.

100 acres near the high school are planned to be burned between October 14 and 16 with spoke expected to travel Northeast.

15 acres in Christmas Valley are planned to be burned between October 14 and 15 with smoke traveling in a Northeast direction.

Initially, conditions on Tuesday are expected to be windy as a weather system moves in bringing rain and snow, which will help to disperse smoke and extinguish the piles. The unit consists of individual piles with minimal material on the ground which would limit spread despite the windy weather.

In the event that conditions are not suitable for burning near the high school, operations may take place on 15 acres in Christmas Valley.