fire

Cal Tahoe JPA seeks bids to remodel old jail for new headquarters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Bids are currently being sought for the remodel project at the new home of the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (CalTahoe) in South Lake Tahoe. They have been without a permanent home since early 2020 when South lake Tahoe Fire Rescue took back its Station 2 for fire and medic operations.

MontBleu staff credited with saving man's life in swimming pool

STATELINE, Nev. - Staff members at MontBleu Casino Resort are being credited with saving the lives of two people who had been swimming in the hotel's swimming pool. One of the swimmers, a 25-year-old man from Fairfield, Calif., had been underwater for almost two-and-a-half minutes before being pulled from the water.

One arrested after butane honey oil lab explosion in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An explosion and subsequent fire at a South Lake Tahoe home Friday was the result of a butane honey oil (BHO) processing explosion, according to South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will continue widespread prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, if conditions and weather allow. Smoke may be visible.

1. Twin Peaks 49 - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - West River Park Drive and South Upper Truckee Road, Meyers, CA. Burn Type: Hand Piles.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace: Better days ahead

“You’ve got to count to three.” Those were the words of advice attributed to Norm Woods one of the first five city council members. The Cityhood project in 1965 was spearheaded by the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce with all five of that first council members coming from the Chamber Board ranks. Norm served as one of the first rotating Mayors and many times thereafter. His advice was offered to the citizens who were newly elected to subsequent councils.

South Lake Tahoe joins other communities in National Moment of Unity and Remembrance

Event Date: 
January 19, 2021 - 2:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe and other communities around the lake will join the nation on Tuesday, January 19 as they honor those who have died during the pandemic.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Lake Valley Fire Honor Guard will take part in the nationwide bell-ringing ceremony at 2:30 p.m. There will not be a public ceremony but all are encouraged to ring bells or turn their outdoor lights on to participate in the memorial as well.

Importance of keeping smoke detectors up to date

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Time is of the essence when fire hits your home. Things can rapidly change from smoke to flames, sometimes giving those inside very little time to get outside to safety.

Even though smoke detectors have been required in new construction and in homes undergoing a remodel for decades, not all homes have working detectors. They are broken, have a dead battery, or missing completely.

New chief for Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There has been a change in command at Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD). Chief Gregory "Scott" Baker has retired and passed the department flag to new Chief Scott Lindgren during a small ceremony Wednesday.

The passing of the department flag symbolizing the leadership change. The ceremony also included the pinning of Chief Lindgren whose daughter had the duty.

El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe exit state's stay-at-home order

1/13/21 UPDATE: The state has updated its website to reflect that hotels and vacation rentals can open with modifications in the purple tier. For all businesses, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just moments ago, the Greater Sacramento Region, of which El Dorado County is a part, was granted authority by the State to exit the Regional Stay At Home Order, effective immediately. This is based on the State’s four-week projection putting the region’s ICU capacity at 19.1 percent, above the 15 percent threshold announced last month.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Conditions and weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will conduct widespread prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Smoke may be visible.

1. Panther ULM - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - Fallen Leaf Rd. and Highway 89, South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles, Total Acreage: 10.00. Planned Ignition: 01/13-18/21. Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 5-7 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time. Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast/East. Communities or Smoke Sensitive Areas:

South Lake Tahoe's new truck quickly becoming valuable fire-fighting tool

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been a long wait. The December, 2020 arrival of a new ladder fire truck for South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue was a journey that began in 2013 when a Ferrara ladder truck has been ordered to the tune of almost $1,050,000. That truck replaced an aging 1982 truck and was paid for by California sales tax funds that are for public safety. As soon as that truck arrived in 2014 though, it was trouble.

New COVID-19 travel advisory in California: Stay within 120 miles of home

The California Department of Public Health issued a revised Travel Advisory on Tuesday, January 6, 2021, one that supersedes the previous order issued in November and one meant to curb the spread of COVID-19. This new advisory affects all counties in California, whether they are under a Regional Stay Home Order or not.

The updated travel advisory

Ongoing prescribed burn operations around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will resume prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Operations will continue over the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Faulty heat tape the cause of smoke at Sierra House Elementary Monday morning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) responded to Sierra House Elementary Monday after a report of smoke at the rear of the building.

The 8:02 a.m. call happened as staff and some students were arriving for the school day. Since it is remote learning at this time the school wasn't full and those that were there evacuated the building.

Cause of the smoke turned out to be a faulty heat tape and there was no damage to the structure or roof, just a rain gutter which had ice inside, according to LVFPD.

Small New Year's Eve crowds at Stateline keep US50 open

STATELINE, Nev. - It was a much quieter holiday at Stateline this year with a decrease in calls for service, five arrests, and the lowest number of New Year's celebrants in a few decades.

US 50, the highway that runs from South Lake Tahoe into Stateline was not closed due the low number of people in the area. Law enforcement was able to keep those wanting to bring in the new year outside to the sidewalk or they stayed inside the casinos.

"The celebrants were well behaved and embraced the New Year’s Eve celebration," said Douglas County Undersheriff Ron Elges.

Tahoe Douglas Fire asks residents to "Adopt a Fire Hydrant" this winter

There are 761 hydrants in the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) and they are looking for residents to "adopt" them by making sure they are shoveled out after each storm and kept cleared all winter.

The Nevada water districts and TDFPD urge everyone to get involved and join the effort by adopting a hydrant near their residence.

To sign up, visit http://www.tahoefire.org/prevention/adopt-a-hydrant.

If you adopt, TDFPD asks that you keep your hydrant:

VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE

Sierra snow pack near Lake Tahoe at 93% of average

PHILLIPS STATIONS, Calif. - The Sierra snow pack was measured at 93 percent of average on Thursday at Phillips Station, west of Lake Tahoe, the first of the winter 2020 snow pack surveys.

A team from California Department of Water Resources (DWR) found 30.5 inches of snow with 10.5 inches of snow water equivalent (SWE).

Law enforcement prepares for possible New Year's Eve crowds on South Shore

Even with the current pandemic, New Year's revelers could still flock to the Stateline casino corridor and South Lake Tahoe on Thursday so law enforcement will be prepared. With no SnowGlobe this year due to the pandemic, and Heavenly Village New Year's Eve activities canceled, it is unknown as to what will take place in an area that at one time saw 50,000 people in the streets to bring in the new year. Last year it was estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people took to the streets at midnight at Stateline and 6,500 at Heavenly Village for its 9:00 p.m. fireworks.

Column: 2020 Highlights from your Water and Sewer District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Back in the 1940s, before South Tahoe Public Utility
District existed, sewage flowed directly into beautiful Lake Tahoe. Citizens rallied to sign a petition to form the District and this year marks our 70th anniversary. From a single septic field to an award-winning 7.7 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility, with 100% recycled water and biosolids, a lot
has changed over the years.

Douglas County reaches out to Lake Tahoe servers with “Call for a Ride. Stay Alive” Campaign

STATELINE, Nev. - Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) took the first step in rolling out their campaign aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the roads by providing server intervention training to employees at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Lucky Beaver, Dotty’s, and Lake Tahoe AleWorX.

Officials warn of sledding dangers at unofficial sled hills at Lake Tahoe

Snow, a good slope and a sled in hand are the ingredients needed for a fun day around Lake Tahoe, but first responders are warning the public to only use official sledding locations or that fun can turn to a bad day very quickly.

Sledding is not as harmless as it looks, just ask the roughly 20,000 kids under age of 19 in the United States involved in sledding accidents annually.

Heavenly Village Turkey Drive gathers 350 turkeys for Christmas Cheer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Christmas is going to be merrier for families on the south shore after an outpouring of support for those less fortunate this holiday season. There have been toy and food drives, and one of those recently held was by The Shops at Heavenly Village and Dreu Murin Productions.

Suspect arrested on multiple charges after Douglas County Sheriff's deputy shot

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Two people have been arrested after a deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) was shot late Sunday night.

Tahoe Best in the Basin Award winners announced

Seven outstanding restoration, sustainability, and construction projects were recognized as recipients of Best in the Basin awards by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) during an online meeting of the agency’s Governing Board. The projects and programs each exhibit outstanding planning and execution and lead the way in environmental stewardship in the Lake Tahoe Region, according to the agency.

Modified and successful Breakfast with Santa held at Heavenly Village

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With most of the Heavenly Holidays events canceled at the Heavenly Village this year, one event was still able to be held - the annual Breakfast with Santa.

The breakfast, moved outside this year due to COVID-19, was held each Saturday in December with the guest stars, Santa and Mrs. Claus. A limited number of tickets were available and each breakfast sold out.

'Tis the season to be fire safe

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. Many of the Christmas Trees in homes have now been there for a week or two, and precautions can be taken to prevent a fire that would ruin the holidays.

Douglas County agencies partner to hold drunk driving intervention training for Tahoe servers

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection (TDFP), state agencies, local non-profits and businesses are coming together to launch a campaign aimed to help our community stay safer by providing server intervention training and ride alternatives to those who are drinking and need to get home.

Call For A Ride, Stay Alive is a drunk driving awareness campaign that offers server intervention training to employees from casinos and other Stateline area businesses.

New $5M public communication system heading to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - First responders in South Lake Tahoe have been dealing with an antiquated public safety communications system for years but that is about to change. On Tuesday, City Council approved the funds needed to fix the system with much more than a band-aid.

California Tahoe Conservancy awards over $340,000 to Washoe Tribe to restore Meeks Meadow

The California Tahoe Conservancy Board has awarded a $380,454 grant to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California for the Máyala Wáta Restoration Project at Meeks Meadow, and area rich in cultural and ecological importance.

Column: 2020 fire year highlights importance of forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The new Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Deputy Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison is our guest columnist and looks back, and ahead, to the health of Lake Tahoe

Looking Back

December is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region.

South Lake Tahoe home damaged in early morning fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An early morning fire damaged the second floor of a South Lake Tahoe home on Springwood Avenue Monday.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue received the emergency call just before 5:00 a.m. December 14. Upon arrival they found a home with heavy smoke coming from the second floor. The homeowners were able to get out safely after trying to extinguish the flames.

Widespread prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe resume

Weather and conditions permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts are scheduled to burn hand piles and smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Lyons Ranch - Northwest of the Golden Bear Subdivision. East of Lake Tahoe Airport.
Responsible Agency: California Tahoe Conservancy
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 12/14-17/2020

No new restrictions for Nevada as Governor asks all to stem the tide of COVID-19

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak spoke to Nevadans Sunday afternoon to update them on the state's COVID-19 situation. He said the restrictions that went into effect three weeks ago will continue until January 15, 2021. Due to the rising COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state many thought he might impose stricter regulations.

Column: Finding bright spots on the horizon

We are ready for some glad tidings this holiday season. While we look forward to the spirit of generosity and warmth the season brings, many are also hoping the New Year will deliver a meaningful reset. Propelling ourselves forward and out of crisis will require fortitude and drive. The pending vaccine is a bright spot on the horizon, but there are other positive indicators for better days to come.

Approaching Lake Tahoe weather system not much of a snowmaker at lake level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There hasn't been much precipitation over California and the Sierra since summer but approaching weather systems may change that.

A series of systems through the weekend will break down the persistent dry pattern, with the first bringing increased winds late Thursday afternoon into Thursday night with fire danger concerns for portions of Mono County. Rain and snow chances arrive Friday night and Saturday with a second round Sunday. Another period of gusty winds is looking likely for Sunday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Reno.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue decorated holiday truck schedule

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has been able to reverse its earlier decision and is once again going to launch the decorated fire truck through the community. They will be running nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. December 10-24, 2020.

Here is their schedule:

Thursday Dec 10th – Keys/Venice

Friday Dec 11th – Glenwood area

Saturday Dec 12th – Keys/State streets

Sunday Dec 13th – Barton / Tahoe Island Dr

Monday Dec 14th – South Y / Tata Ln area

Tuesday Dec 15th – Al Tahoe Blvd / Pioneer Village

Wednesday Dec 16th – Springwood / Bijou Pines

Tahoe Douglas Fire Marshal Eric Guevin honored with 2020 Golden Sparky Award

Fire Marshal Eric Guevin of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) was recently awarded the Fire Prevention Association of Nevada (FPAN) 2020 Golden Sparky Award.

The Golden Sparky Award is the State of Nevada’s highest award for outstanding achievement in fire prevention and fire safety education for fire service personnel.

Guevin has served as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Education Network Representative for the State of Nevada. In this capacity, Eric became a vital liaison between the FPAN, the Fire Safety Educators of Nevada, and NFPA.

Virtual Meyers Community Tree Lighting Celebration Friday

Event Date: 
December 4, 2020 - 6:00pm

Ring in the holiday season with the Meyers Community Foundation and enjoy their virtual tree lighting celebration on Friday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m.

To comply with COVID-19 safety precautions they moved the annual tradition to Facebook. It can be watched live here - www.facebook.com/MeyersCommunity/live.

The Virtual Meyers Community Tree Lighting Celebration will feature comedian and radio show host Howie Nave doing the annual countdown to light the very special tree. Lake Valley Fire District will join in and illuminate the holiday spirit.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue issues update: Decorated fire truck to make rounds once again

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) will once again roll its decorated fire engine this holiday season! They announced earlier this week the long standing tradition of the truck going through neighborhoods with Santa on board would not happen due to safety concerns of the pandemic.

SLTFR announced Thursday they wanted to clarify the statement given to South Tahoe Now.

Updated Lake Tahoe vacation home ordinance passed by El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors have passed an updated vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance for the Lake Tahoe portion of the county.

In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the second reading of the ordinance passed, one that adds a ceiling on the number of permits allowed. Supervisor Sue Novasel had to recuse herself because of a resident's request that she do so due to her husband's investment company.

Update: South Lake Tahoe decorated fire truck to make holiday rounds this year

UPDATE: The South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue decorated truck will run again in 2020. Once repairs are completed a schedule will be released.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The longstanding tradition of the decorated South Lake Tahoe Fire Truck making the rounds through neighborhoods will be taking a year off due to COVID-19.

The tough decision was made due to safety and protecting participant's health.

Brooke Laine and Jason Collin end terms on South Lake Tahoe City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Former mayors Brooke Laine and Jason Collin said their good-byes Monday at their final City of South Lake Tahoe council meeting. Collin decided to not run after his four-year term as did Laine who finished ten years on the council.

Douglas County Public Health Officer issues guidance after rise in COVID-19 cases

Douglas County has recently seen an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in an extremely short period of time. This is part of a regional and statewide trend in rapidly increasing confirmed COVID-19 infections and they are experiencing strain to their healthcare system and first responders.

Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) members will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, weather and conditions permitting. California State Parks and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District are scheduled to burn hand piles on the east and west shores. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park
Responsible Agency: California State Parks
West of Hwy 89, along S Fire Rd and Campground Rd
Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 20.00
Planned Ignition: 11/30/2020 - 12/18/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 3 weeks

Alpine County moves into the Red Tier

As of noon Saturday, Alpine County has been assigned by the California Department of Public Health to the Red Tier in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. This move is based on statistical data which includes:
- Test Positivity (7-day average with a 4-day lag) – 5.8 percent
- Total new cases (7-day total with a 4-day lag) – 6

Being the smallest county in the state with about 1,200 residents, their increasing case load has concerned Public Health Officer, Dr. Richard Johnson.

El Dorado County vote complete and certified

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The final tabulations are now complete for El Dorado County and the November Presidential election results for the county have been certified.

Here are the final results:

City of South Lake Tahoe - Measure S (Majority to Pass)

9,667 / 12,739 75.89% of registered voters counted
558 Undervotes
2 Overvotes

Yes - 5,804 60.04%
No - 3,303 34.17%

South Lake Tahoe City Council (Top Two Win)

9,667 / 12,739 75.89% of registered voters counted
4,406 Undervotes
38 Overvotes

Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

California State Park and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District crews are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations this week, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Secret
Responsible Agency: Tahoe Douglas Fire District
North of Glenbrook
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 11/23/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 2-4 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park

Christmas Tree goes up at Heavenly Village

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - It was a true community effort to get the Christmas Tree delivered to the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe last week. For the third consecutive year, a tree was selected from the South Shore to be on display for the holiday season.

On Monday, November 16, 2020 the 64-foot tree was cut down by Kenny Curtzwiler of K & K Services at 6:30 a.m., lifted by a crane and placed onto a flatbed truck, escorted by South Lake Tahoe Police and CHP, driven to its destination, lifted off the truck and placed into a stand to be decorated.

Nevada under new safety measures after surge of COVID-19 deaths and positivity rate

Governor Steve Sisolak announced a "at least a three-week statewide pause" to protect Nevadans from the pandemic due to a surge in positive cases and deaths. Starting Tuesday, November 24 at 12:01 a.m. there will be tighter business restrictions and a stricter mask mandate in the state of Nevada.

Many thought he would be calling for a shutdown in the state, but instead he chose the "pause" at this time. Sisolak said ten percent of all COVID-19 cases in Nevada since beginning of pandemic have been recorded in the last seven days.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District promotes four

There is a change of command at the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District. They recently promoted four staff members:

Battalion Chief Bryce Cranch promoted to Assistant Chief

Bryce has held the positions of Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer, Captain, Training Captain and Battalion Chief. Special assignments: EMS Chief, Facilities Chief. Serving the TDFPD community for 16 years.

Captain Chris Lucas promoted to Battalion Chief

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