fire protection

Prescribed fires set to resume around Lake Tahoe

After taking a break during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) resume prescribed fire operations next week, beginning Monday, November 27, 2017, weather permitting.

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, California State Parks and the California Tahoe Conservancy will conduct prescribed fire operations above Incline Village, D.L. Bliss and Burton Creek state parks and near the airport in South Lake Tahoe. Smoke may be visible.

North of the CSLT Airport, Southwest of the Sierra Tract Subdivision - 8 acres
Hwy 89 / Lester Beach Road - 8 acres

Lake Valley Holiday Fire Truck schedule

Happy holidays from Lake Valley Fire Protection District. Here is the neighborhood schedule for their Holiday engines. The truck runs December 11-23, 2017.

December 11 – Echo View Estates, Tahoe Mountain Road, Mule Deer Circle
December 12 – Lake Tahoe Blvd from Boulder Mountain Drive to Grizzly Mountain Drive
December 13 – West side of North Upper Truckee from Zuni Street Highway 50, Chiapa Drive
December 14 – East side of North Upper Truckee from Grizzly Mountain to West San Bernardino Ave.
December 15 – Christmas Valley from Highway 50 to Grass Lake Road

Douglas County prepares for possible flooding

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and a wind advisory for Douglas County through late Friday night on November 16, 2017. Douglas County Emergency Management is preparing for changing flood conditions and the safety of Douglas County residents. Updates will be posted to http://www.douglascountynv.gov/AlertCenter.aspx

SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston wins award

Chief Jeff Meston of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is the recipient of the Ed Bent Training Excellence Award in recognition of being the Outstanding Fire Instructor of the Year at the California Training Officers Symposium held this week in Fresno, California.

The award was created many years ago on behalf of Ed Bent for his contribution as a founding father of statewide training and curriculum for the California Fire Service.

Kudos: First Responders team up with Cub Scout Pack 592

Cub Scout Pack 592 of South Lake Tahoe held their fifth annual Police and Fire Night at St. Theresa’s Grace Hall on November 14.

Scouts were able to see first-hand the tools and techniques that first responders use to keep the community safe and how they work together when someone needs help.

New member appointed to Lake Valley Fire Board of Directors

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District Board of Directors has appointed Brian Hogan as a board member-at-large, replacing the seat recently vacated by Robert Rossi.

Hogan is the Regional President for U.S. Bank's Central California and Northern Nevada Community Banking Region and has been employed with the bank for the last 25 years. As regional president, he oversees the banking groups in the region including Commercial, Retail, Business Banking, and Private Banking. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in both Economics and Government from California State University Sacramento.

First firefighting boat of its kind on Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District christened Marine 24 Monday, giving Lake Tahoe its first year-round firefighting boat.

At a cost of almost $500,000, Marine 24 is able to fight fire from hoses on board as well as hooking up to pipes along lakefront homes in Douglas County and piping water from the lake into water tenders. The boat can send water 300 feet, but their main function will be to pump water into pipes at the shore that water tenders will hook up to.

Prescribed fires resume around Lake Tahoe

Lake Valley, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service will continue Lake Tahoe Basin prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks, weather permitting. Operations are scheduled to take place at or near D.L. Bliss State Park, Carnelian Bay, Kings Beach, Incline Village, Diamond Peak Ski Resort area, Glenbrook, upper and lower Kingsbury Grade and south and east of the Lake Tahoe Airport.

South Shore

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 71 businesses took out business licenses with the City of South Lake Tahoe during the month of September:

9/1
WILLIAM ROSE CONTRACTOR

9/2
FESC NORTHERN NEVADA LLC

9/5
DUALITY BODY ART

9/6
GOLD COUNTRY DRIVING SCHOOL
JIMMY SHRULL ROOFING INC
QUICK ACTION FIRE PROTECTION
TONY HOWTING CONSTRUCTION

9/7
H.W. HOLMES INC
SIERRACON INC
XTREME ROOFING CONTRACTORS

9/8
GLYNN CONSTRUCTION
GREEN WINDOW WASHING
LRG BUILDER SERVICES INC
THE PALACIO GROUP

Prescribed fires resume around Lake Tahoe Saturday, weather permitting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – California State Parks, Lake Valley, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts and the U.S. Forest Service are scheduled to conduct prescribed fire operations beginning tomorrow, November 4, 2017.

Weather permitting, operations are scheduled to take place:

D.L. Bliss State Park - 25 acres
West side of Incline Village - 17 acres
West of the First Creek drainage - 25 acres
Upper Kingsbury Grade - 3 acres
Lower Kingsbury Grade - 6 acres
Off Pioneer Trail near Marshall Trail and Powerline Road - 20 acres

Tahoe Douglas Fire offering free ash cans to those living in their district

Cooler nights are prompting residents to start burning wood in the fireplaces and stoves, and proper disposal of the remaining ashes are important in preventing fires in trash cans and yards.

The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District has partnered with Kingsbury Hardware again to provide ash cans to the homeowners of the Fire District for the safe disposal of hot ashes. This program is available free of charge to those residents who are part of the district who use a wood burning appliance to heat their homes.

Robert Rossi honored for decades of dedication to Lake Valley Fire Protection District

For over four decades, Robert Rossi has served the community in several positions from volunteer firefighter to battalion chief to board member.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) honored outgoing Director Robert Rossi, a position he's held since 2010.

Can a mega fire happen in Lake Tahoe?

Before that question can be answered, we need to understand what a mega fire is. To be a mega fire it needs to meet these five points:

1. Starts near or in a high fire danger area during approaching or actual red flag conditions,
2. Escapes the initial attack,
3. Develops into a campaign fire covering a large area,
4. Requires thousand of firefighters and extensive additional resources to bring final containment,
5. Often cause huge property and other cultural losses in addition to vegetation destroyed.

If not now, then when for Tahoe’s roads?

All of us living in this tourist town understand a simple truth: our infrastructure is burdened with more than it can handle. Specifically, our roads. Each year, millions of visitors drive to Tahoe to enjoy the natural beauty of our home, but the damage this causes to our roadways is a serious problem. We need help making our community safer for driving, walking, and biking.

73,000 acres burn in California in 12 hours- 1,500 structures burn, 20,000 people evacuated

Overnight significant winds fanned over a dozen fires across Northern California. 15 new wind whipped wildfires in nine counties have already burned over 73,000 acres in the past 12 hours. Firefighters have been challenged with winds gusting in excess of 50 mph causing extreme rates of spread and volatile burning conditions.

Prescribed fires set to return in Lake Tahoe basin

The fall prescribed fire program in the Lake Tahoe Basin will return in early October, weather permitting, according to the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT). The first areas to be burned have not been announced.

TFFT is made up of local, state and federal fire and land management agencies in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

TRPA announces top 15 Best in the Basin awards

he Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on Wednesday recognized 15 exceptional projects completed in 2016 with Best in Basin awards.

Now in its 27th year, TRPA’s Best in Basin awards program each year showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

Fire destroys cabin on Echo Lake

An early morning fire destroyed a cabin on the north shore of Echo Lake on Wednesday. Firefighters called to the scene had to get there by boat, the only access to the home.

Crews from Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) responded to the 5:50 a.m. call. The sole occupant had awoken to a smoke filled home and called 911 as they exited the two-story cabin.

Investigation into Lake Valley Fire Captain injury completed

A Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) Captain who was injured when he fell off a fire truck is home recovering and the investigation into his accident has concluded.

On August 27, 2017 at approximately 3:11 p.m., Lake Valley Fire Engine 7 was returning to the South Shore after responding to a traffic collision near Strawberry. As the truck with its occupants began an incline on Highway 50 around a curve between Twin Bridges and Camp Sacramento, the captain began to remove his turncoat. In order to fully remove it, he disconnected his seat belt and headset.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 90 businesses took out business licenses with the City of South Lake Tahoe during the month of July, 2017 (spelling of the business names is taken directly from the City's website):

7/3

4-SEASONS DECOR
A STERLING AFFAIR
ARTIST TO YOU - METAL ART
BAKER HOME PRODUCTS
CALVIN LEE CLOTHING STORES
DESERT PARADISE CLOTHING
GERALD DEWEY SALES
HENERY'S NIGHT LIGHTS
PS DESIGN
ROYAL OIL MFG
STEVEN LN PROPERTY
SWEET FEATHER
SWEET JEAN'S NUTTY GOURMET
THOMAS PHOTO ARTS

7/5

4LEAF INC
KOA ARCHITECTS
OUR ART'S DESIRE LLC

7/6

CLASSIC CUT LAWN CARE

Community celebrates local public safety employees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day was held on Thursday, September 7, and community members came out to say "thank you" to personnel from several agencies.

The City of South Lake Tahoe hosted the event which had live music, free BBQ and ice cream and a thank-you card making station.

Kids were able climb on board fire trucks, meet the new Search & Rescue puppy and get to know those who protect them on a daily basis.

Agencies invited were:

Calfire
· California Highway Patrol
· Nevada Highway Patrol
· Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Lake Valley firefighter in stable condition after falling from fire truck

On Sunday, August 27, a Lake Valley Fire Protection District crew responded to a traffic collision on Highway 50 near Twin Bridges, west of Lake Tahoe.

At 3:15 p.m., as the crew headed eastbound back to their station in Meyers, a firefighter was ejected from the vehicle. According to the report, a Blue Sheet, the vehicle was going around "a sweeping left-hand curve" near the Rock Crusher area when the incident occurred.

Detwiler Fire cause released; Over 81k acres burned and now 97% contained

The discharge of firearms on public lands has been determined the cause of Mariposa County's Detwiler Fire which has destroyed 63 homes, 67 minor structures and 1 commercial building since starting July 16, 2017.

21 other homes and buildings were damaged.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) investigators said specifics are still under investigation.

The Detwiler Fire has burned 81,826 acres and was 97 percent contained as of 7:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5.

Carson City fire blamed on fireworks

A 20-acre brush fire in Carson City on Thursday was caused by fireworks, according to fire officials. The fire is now fully contained.

At 3:50 p.m. August 3, fire broke out behind the Greenhouse Nursery there was immediate response from Carson City, East Fork Fire Protection, Tahoe Douglas Fire, Truckee Meadows, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service. Aircraft also flew in from Sierra Front Interagency in Minden.

Douglas County declared disaster area after Preacher Fire scorches 4,651 acres

Douglas County Board of Commissioners signed a Disaster Declaration today due to the lightning caused Preacher Fire which is burning seven miles southeast of Gardnerville.

The fire is currently estimated at 4,651 acres as of 6:00 p.m. on July 25. It is being managed at this time by Sierra Front Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) with support from East Fork Fire Protection District and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

South Lake Tahoe holds 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day

Event Date: 
September 7, 2017 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone is invited out to Lakeview Commons on Thursday, September 7 to say "thank you" to the men and women who protect the South Shore communities at the 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day.

The City of South Lake Tahoe will be hosting the event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature live music, BBQ, a thank you card making station and blue ribbons to tie around the trees at Lakeview Commons as a visual way to say thank you.

This is a multi-agency event to show appreciation:

· Calfire
· California Highway Patrol

Free tree removal for low-income El Dorado County seniors

With tree mortality issues so prevalent in the Sierra, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors today launched a Tree Removal Grant Program for low-income seniors.

“The tree mortality issues in our county remain very serious. We’re just happy to have this program available to assist private homeowners, especially our seniors with limited income, who have no other means to remove dead or dying trees from threatening damage to their homes,” said District IV Supervisor, Michael Ranalli.

Free chipping service for city and county residents

Residents of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado county, Fallen Leaf Lake and Alpine County are encouraged to take advantage of the free curbside chipping service offered by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD).

The free service will be offered through October, weather permitting.

Homeowners can work on their defensible space by removing limbs and slash on their property, then the chipping crew will come by and collect it, then convert into wood chips.

This action reduces flammable vegetation and helps homeowners protect their property from the threat of wildfire.

El Dorado County sends more money to Cal Tahoe JPA for ambulance services

More money is on the way to the South Shore to fund ambulance services thanks to a unanimous vote by the El Dorado County Supervisors during their June 27 meeting. An amendment was made to the original contract between the Cal Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (Cal Tahoe) and the County, giving an extra $790,000 per year as well as funds to buy a new ambulance.

The extra money will help fund a special team for interfacility transfers.

New fire now burning near Spanish Springs

Crews with Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Forestry and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District have responded to a new fire burning near Spanish Springs and the Pyramid Highway. Dubbed the Winnemucca Ranch Fire, flames have consumed 1,500 acres since starting at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday.

Both ground and air resources are on scene.

At least 11 homes are threatened, according to Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.

Ironwood Road is being evacuated, according to the Washoe County Sheriff.

Meeks Bay Fire's 49th annual Pancake Breakfast

Event Date: 
July 2, 2017 - 8:00am

Meeks Bay Fire is holding their 49th annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, July 1 and 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at their fire station on SR-89. This year the Sierra States Parks Foundations have come on board to help with the popular event that provides not only pancakes but also the famous Meeks Bay Fire jumbo sausages, applesauce, milk, coffee, orange juice, and plenty of butter and maple syrup to make the meal complete!

This popular fundraising event has been called "the best of its kind" on the West Shore.

Two days of Meeks Bay Fire's 49th annual Pancake Breakfast

Event Date: 
July 1, 2017 (All day)

Meeks Bay Fire is holding their 49th annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, July 1 and 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at their fire station on SR-89. This year the Sierra States Parks Foundations have come on board to help with the popular event that provides not only pancakes but also the famous Meeks Bay Fire jumbo sausages, applesauce, milk, coffee, orange juice, and plenty of butter and maple syrup to make the meal complete!

This popular fundraising event has been called "the best of its kind" on the West Shore.

First responders and resilient community honored on 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

"It was so frustrating and only so much we could do," recalled Kit Bailey of the U.S. Forest Service during Saturday's Angora Fire First Responder Remembrance Ceremony. "Its miraculous nobody got hurt."

On the 10th anniversary of the devastating fire that destroyed 254 homes as it burned quickly through 3,100 acres in the Meyers area of the South Shore, fire responders gathered at the Lake Valley Fire Department to honor those who served that day, and to honor the resilient community that supported them.

Events at Lake Valley Fire and Valhalla mark 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

Event Date: 
June 24, 2017 - 8:30am

Events continue on the South Shore to mark the 10th anniversary of the Angora Fire.

Angora Fire First Responder Remembrance Ceremony
Saturday, June 24, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District Station 7, 2211 Keetak Street, South Lake Tahoe, CA

Angora Commemoration
Saturday, June 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Valhalla Grand Lawn, 1 Valhalla Road, State Route 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Sponsored by the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team

Speakers for the event:
Welcome South Lake Tahoe Mayor Austin Sass

Body found in Truckee River near Verdi identified as missing woman

A body found in the Truckee River on Thursday night has been positively identified by the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office as 32-year-old Sarah Duncan, the woman who went missing Wednesday after falling into the river.

She was seen falling from a raft in the Truckee River near Crystal Peak Park. A search by the Swift water rescue teams from Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and the Reno Fire Department took place Wednesday afternoon.

Angora Fire anniversary event in Meyers includes family activities and workshops

Event Date: 
June 25, 2017 - 11:00am

Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFDO) is hosting community gathering on Sunday, June 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m to mark the 10th anniversary of the devastating Angora Fire. This event will focus on the community’s healing and resiliency.

Search called off for woman missing in Truckee River near Verdi

6/22/17 11:00 p.m. update: The Washoe County Sheriff's Office HASTY team has located the body of a woman in Truckee River about two miles east of Crystal Peak Park. It is not confirmed if it is the body of Sarah Duncan who went missing in the same area on Wednesday. The Washoe County Medical Examiner needs to confirm identification.

* * *
Swift water rescue teams from Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and the Reno Fire Department spend Wednesday afternoon in the Truckee River, searching for a missing woman.

Target shooting starts Reno fire: 125 acres burned, 2900 without power

8:00 p.m. update 6/19:The Garson Fire west of Reno is 50% contained and has burned 141 acres. Some homes were evacuated earlier Monday in the Quilici Ranch Road but the area has since been reopened to evacuated residents. The general public is not allowed in the fire area. NV Energy restored power yesterday to almost 3,000 who were without due to the fire.

* * *
Fire crews from around the region are responding to a brush fire that sparked near Boomtown west of Reno Sunday, according to fire officials.

Activities surround 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - On June 24, 2007, the Angora Fire started at an illegal campfire at about 2:15 p.m. near North Upper Truckee Road in Meyers. The wind driven wildfire consumed 3,100 acres, destroyed 242 homes and 67 commercial structures, and damaged 35 other homes. As many as 2,180 firefighters battled the blaze with was 100% contained by July 2. There will be several community events to mark this tragic anniversary.

Thursday, June 22

Wildfire Safety Expo in South Lake Tahoe Saturday

Event Date: 
June 17, 2017 - 12:00pm

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue along with multiple local agencies are coming together and hosting the 4th annual Wildfire Safety Expo on Saturday, June 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the TJ Maxx parking lot located at the “Y” where
Highways 50 and 89 intersect.

Everyone one is invited to the free event with lots of information about being prepared in case of a wildfire.

Three fires burning south of Lake Tahoe

9:30 p.m. update - Highway 395 has reopened in both directions after firefighters got the upper hand on the Topaz Fire which burned 8 acres between Topaz Lake and the highway near Topaz Lodge. One outbuilding burned. 4 engines will remain on the fire overnight. No containment has been listed at this time. Jurisdiction is East Fork Fire Protection District.

The Meyers community plans OMG Fun Run and Angora Fire event

Register Now for the 2nd Annual OMG Fun Run on Old Meyers Grade, Sunday, June 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Costumes are encouraged and this year the best costume will receive a prize. Additional prizes will be awarded for the first to Reach the Top and Most Laps for the man, woman, and child (12 and under) divisions. Winners in each category and participants who complete at least three laps will have their names posted on the Meyers Community website after the event.

Events planned in Lake Tahoe for Fire Awareness Month

Event Date: 
June 25, 2017 - 11:00am

The snow is melting, water is flowing, and wildfire fuels are growing. Despite all the moisture, the wildfire threat remains a concern. Preparing your home and community now is more important than ever. June is “Wildfire Awareness Month” in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team are continuing last year’s campaign by asking all Tahoe residents and visitors to “Think First to Keep Tahoe Fire Safe”.

Prescribed burns scheduled around Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, California State Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service may continue prescribed fire operations next week beginning May 22.

If conditions are favorable, operations are scheduled to take place near Sugar Pine Point, Glenbrook, Lower Kingsbury Grade, Ski Run Boulevard, Fallen Leaf Lake and Meyers. Operations may continue over the next several weeks, weather permitting.

A) Lower Kingsbury Grade Area - 5 acres
B) Sugar Pine Point State Park - 5 acres
C) Hwy 50/Logan Creek Dr - 50 acres
D) SR-89/Grass Lake Rd - 30 acres

Wildfire Awareness Month: Remembering Angora

This June is wildfire awareness month at Lake Tahoe. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the Angora Fire, the most destructive wildland fire in memory at Tahoe.

An illegal and abandoned campfire started the Angora Fire on June 24, 2007. The fire quickly spread toward Meyers, stoked by strong winds and forests overgrown with hazardous fuels. In a few days, the fire burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 homes.

The 2017 fire season outlook

With one of the biggest winters we have experienced in years and the snowpack level at 200-300 percent of normal, it is expected that the excessive precipitation will likely push the start of the 2017 fire season back a couple months.

“Below normal significant wildland fire potential is expected to develop across northern portions of the Great Basin and far western Nevada in May and June,” reports the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).

However, the low risk scenario will not last forever once the moisture is gone.

Youth in Juvenile Treatment Center earn CPR/AED cards

Eleven youth detained at the Juvenile Treatment Center (JTC) in South Lake Tahoe recently received two certifications: American Heart Association Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).

This was the first time the course was offered to the youth housed at the facility, and not only did they get these important certifications but they also earned school credits.

Prescribed burning to continue around Lake Tahoe

Weather permitting, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, and the U.S. Forest Service may continue prescribed fire operations next week beginning May 15, 2017. If conditions are favorable, operations may take place near Sugar Pine Point, Brockway Summit, Incline Village, Glenbrook, Lower Kingsbury Grade, Ski Run Boulevard, Lake Tahoe Airport, Fallen Leaf Lake and Meyers. Operations may continue over the next several weeks, weather permitting.

A) 5 acres on Lower Kinsgbury

Prescribed burning to continue next week around Lake Tahoe

If conditions are favorable around Lake Tahoe next week, the North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, California Tahoe Contservancy, and the U.S. Forest Service will be continuing their prescribed fire operations.

Operations are scheduled near Sugar Pine Point, Brockway Summit, Incline Village, Glenbrook, Lower Kingsbury Grade, Ski Run Boulevard, Lake Tahoe Airport, Fallen Leaf Lake and Meyers.

Points on the map:

A) 5 acres on Lower Kingbury
B) 32 acres on Upper Jennifer/Tyner area
C) 5 acres at Sugar Pine Point

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue looks to City Council for new boat

Without a boat since 2015, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) will ask City Council for $75,000 on Tuesday for the purchase of a used SAFE boat.

The former fire rescue boat, Marine 17, was taken off the lake (decommissioned) in 2015 after 15 years of service. Needed repairs amounted to more than the value of the boat. Since the SLTFR has borrowed Marine 2 which belongs to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

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