protection

Prescribed fires to continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal land management agencies, will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin as conditions, staffing and weather allow. Smoke may be visible.

The following 12 areas are on the schedule:

Aspen Lily Lake 1011 - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
Location: Powerline Road (Forest Road 12N08), off Pioneer Trail near South Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles - Total Acreage: 14.00 - Planned ignition: 1/25/20

Letter: Yes on Measure B for Lake Valley Fire Protection District

Dear El Dorado County voters,
A little over a year ago, I was asked to serve on the Lake Valley Fire Protection District’s Feasibility Committee for Measure B. I represented you—the homeowner, citizen, and taxpayer. I would like to share a little about what I learned about the Lake Valley Fire Protection District and about Measure B.

Most importantly, I learned that our Lake Valley Fire Protection District is in dire need of our help in order to maintain their current excellent and top-notch level of service, and to sustain a healthy future.

Proposed parcel tax for county residents to support Lake Valley Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On March 3, 2020, voters in the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) boundaries will decide if Measure B should pass, a measure that would give the fire department funds for much-needed equipment, apparatuses, and supplies.

Learn about NV Energy Natural Disaster Protection Plan at public meetings

STATELINE, Nev. - The public is invited to take part in one of several meetings over the next two weeks that will go over NV Energy's Natural Disaster Protection Plan (NDPP).

The public is invited to take part as the utility shares key elements of their draft NDPP and solicit feedback before it is filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada by March 1, 2020.

Senate Bill 329 addresses how the utilities will mitigate and respond to wildfires, severe storms and other natural disaster risks in service territories.

USFS sending more U.S. crews to fight Australian bush fires

As wildfires continue to burn in Australia, the United States is sending additional U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) wildfire personnel to assist with ongoing bushfire suppression efforts in Australia. Three 10-person Incident Management Teams and a group consisting of air support personnel have arrived in Australia in recent days.

Letter: Meyers Area Council urges "yes" vote on Measure B in March

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) firefighters are our friends; they are our neighbors, they are kids we went to school with, they are our softball teammate, and most importantly, they are our saviors in times of need. During the Angora Fire in 2007 some of them sacrificed their own homes to save ours, and more recently they provided vital help and support at the Camp Fire and prevented the oil tanker fire from spreading further than Hwy 50. Our community is safer because of LVFPD firefighters, but these firefighters are not safe in their jobs.

Prescribed burns to continue around Lake Tahoe, weather and snow permitting

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin. They may not be able to continue prescribed fire operations at some sites because of increased snow loads, but some units are able to continue burning.

Lineup announced for Tahoe Arts Project's Dancing with the Tahoe Stars

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The much-anticipated pairings for the Tahoe Arts Project's 8th annual Dancing With the Tahoe Stars have been announced!

The local celebrities met their professional partners Tuesday night during a party at the Hard Rock Casino.

"Everyone is super excited about it," said Tahoe Arts Project Executive Director Peggy Blowney.

The stars (on the left) and their dancing partners:

Debbie Brown, owner of Cold Water Brewery with Matthew Slater
Jeff Connor, local musician and California Burger partner with Rhonda Keen

Tips to keep pets safe during winter in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the arrival of winter, El Dorado County Animal Services is reminding residents to take precautions with their pets.
“Winter in our county regularly brings freezing temperatures, frigid wind, ice and snow,” said Henry Brzezinski, Chief of El Dorado County Animal Services. “These conditions can adversely affect animals in numerous ways, and even threaten a pet’s life. A few simple steps can ensure your pet’s safety.”

Prescribed burn operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, which includes local, state and federal fire and land management agencies, are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations in the Lake Tahoe Basin over the next few weeks, weather permitting.

The 13 areas currently on the planned operations:

The old Tahoe Pines Campground near the intersection of US Hwy 50 and South Upper Truckee Rd. by the California Tahoe Conservancy. 8 acres of Machine Piles.

Upper Kinsbury, Valley Side by the Tahoe Douglas Fire District. 40 acres of Hand Piles.

Early morning crash backs up traffic near Zephyr Cove

A single-vehicle crash Tuesday morning backed up traffic on US50 at Zephyr Cove for almost an hour.

At 8:30 a.m., emergency crews responded to the rollover which took place in the westbound lanes of the highway.

The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) says ice is to blame for the crash. Lanes were closed until the crash scene could be cleared.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) was able to evaluate the occupants at the scene.

NHP and TDFPD both say the occupants were not transported.

Ted Gaines in South Lake Tahoe to discuss new taxes on commercial and industrial properties

Event Date: 
January 9, 2020 - 9:30am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Former California State Senator Ted Gaines will be in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday, January 9 to discuss the proposed amendment to Proposition 13 that will remove commercial properties from their property tax protection and tax them on market value and not purchase price.

Gaines is a member of the California Board of Equalization for the 1st district. He will be speaking during the monthly meeting of the South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association and the public is invited.

The meeting will be held at the LTVA meeting space at 169 US-50 Stateline, Nev. 9:30 a.m.

Seeing clearly in 2020; A look forward to the new year in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A we say goodbye to 2019, 2020 is on the horizon with hopes, dreams and a list of wishes for the new year.

Instead of taking a look back at 2019 let's take a look forward to 2020 in South Lake Tahoe. What does this year have in store for us?

Dozens of new California laws go into effect in 2020

New laws will be going into effect in California in the new year, putting into place California legislature action during 2019. There are many changes including road safety and distracted driving penalties, roadkill rules, minimum wage, independent workers and rent caps.

Except where noted, these laws are effective January 1, 2020:

Traffic Safety

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting several new laws passed this year:

New agreement allows NV Energy to lower rates for Northern Nevada customers

A new agreement is resulting in a $5 million decrease in revenue needs for NV Energy which means Northern Nevada customer electric rates are going down.

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) approved the agreement between NV Energy, the Regulatory Operations Staff of the PUCN, the Bureau of Consumer Protection and other interested parties that start new lower rates January 1, 2020.

It's flu season, take precautions to not become a statistic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of the year when people are experiencing coughs, fevers, sore throats, body aches and runny or stuffy noses. It's flu season!

El Dorado County health officials said they saw an earlier start than normal of the flu season this year and now all regions of the country are seeing elevated widespread levels of flu-like illness.

Seasonal influenza activity in the United States has been elevated for five weeks and continues to increase, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Column: Lake Tahoe West Landscape Restoration Strategy.

As the Fire Chief serving the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe, I am acutely aware and concerned about the potential for catastrophic wildfire here.

The epic giveaways on KRLT with Ricky, Howie and Lisa - $120,000 and counting

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - What do you get when you mix two angels with a comic on morning radio in Lake Tahoe? Daily cash giveaways that can turn an ordinary day into something magical.

It started on November 7, 2018. Ricky Reich, a local man who has become known as "The Angel of Tahoe's Guardian," walked into the studios of KRLT-FM on Kingsbury Grade in Stateline, Nevada. He had been listening to Howie Nave's Morning Rush shown on the station and wanted to pay homage to Lisa Maloff, the Angel of Tahoe.

Actress Anna Faris and family survive carbon monoxide issue at Lake Tahoe home

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The family of actress Anna Faris had a brush with danger in North Lake Tahoe during the Thanksgiving holiday. The group of 13 rented a vacation home in the 100 block of Tahoma Drive in Tahoe City. Two of them felt ill and went to the hospital where it was determined they were suffering from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following 43 businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of October 2019:

10/1
STATEN SOLAR CORPORATION

10/2
TAHOE DAVE'S SNOW REMOVAL
URIAH KAUFMAN SHARED HOME RENTAL

10/3
PC EXPLORATION INC

10/4
THE ALDER INN

10/6
DK ACOUSTICS INC
L&L INTERIOR INC

10/7
AMAZING HOME BUILDERS INC
BRYANS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
ELITE LIBATIONS
MARKET CONTRACTORS
THE FOREST

10/8
CROWN PAINTING INC
NC CONCRETE CONST.

10/9
BASE LEVEL
DULCE'S MARIA CLEANING
FRANCISCO'S HOUSEHOLD SERVICES

10/10
ASPEN AVE LLC

Crafting South Lake Tahoe's wireless communications facility ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most will say their cell phone coverage isn't great in Lake Tahoe or is severely impaired on big tourist weekends such as the 4th of July. With the growth of remote workers coming to live in Lake Tahoe, better internet coverage is also needed for them to work, along with the needs of many others.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Tahoe Basin, weather and staffing permitting

North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, along with California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the USDA Forest Service are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations over the next few weeks in the Tahoe Basin, weather, conditions, and staffing permitted.

Scheduled Prescribed Burns:

Tahoe Pines Campground

Holiday Engine schedule from Lake Valley Fire Protection DIstrict

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District has released its much anticipated holiday fire engine schedule. They will be driving through neighborhoods in the county portions of the South Shore.

LVFPD Holiday Engine Schedule

They start about dark (5:00 p.m.) and go to 8:00 p.m.

December 11 – Echo View Estates, Tahoe Mountain Road, Mule Deer Circle
December 12 – Lake Tahoe Blvd from Boulder Mountain Drive to Grizzly Mountain Drive

Tahoe Basin Wildfire Pre-Attack Plans funded by Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation

The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has announced a donation of $18,057 to the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) to enhance wildfire suppression capabilities on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. This donation will result in the expansion of strategic and tactical Wildfire Pre Attack plans covering the entire Lake Tahoe Basin. Pre Attack Plans help first responders by identifying critical infrastructure, vulnerable population groups, evacuation routes, water sources, Temporary Refuge Areas, and locations where forests have been thinned before a wildfire strikes.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - If weather and conditions permit, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, along with California State Parks are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin.

The planned burn areas:

Multiple agencies participate in South Lake Tahoe active shooter drill

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An active shooting training at South Tahoe High School last week gave local, state and federal agencies the opportunity to use their collaborative skills in responding to an emergency at the school.

In the simulated event after school, a call went over the radios on a secure channel to alert all first responders of a shooting at the high school and with the shooter still on the loose. At the first call, there were seven "victims" (volunteers acting for the training).

Forest Service begins seasonal closure of Lake Tahoe recreational sites

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of year again when the Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) begins the winter closure of their recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin. Seasonal closures apply to many Forest Service recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and National Forest roads.

Prescribed fire operations at four locations in Lake Tahoe Basin, weather permitting

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and California State Parks may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin, if weather and conditions permit.

- West side of Third Creek drainage, above Jennifer Dr. by the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. 38 acres of understory 10/21 - 10/27/19. Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 1-2 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast/East. Smoke may be visible throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding communities

Governor Newsom signs slew of bills including wildfire protection and defensible space

The 2019 legislative year for California has come to an end and Gov. Gavin Newsom wrapped u the session with signing several bills. His first year of office saw 870 new laws and 172 vetoed proposals.

Prescribed burn on North Shore of Lake Tahoe

As weather and conditions permit, prescribed fire operations will take place this fall and winter around the Lake Tahoe Basin. This month, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and California State Parks are working on rescribed fire operations as they will continue as needed over the next several weeks.

Smoke can be seen on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe Monday, and it is coming from operations near Tyner Way and Toni Courts and above Jennifer Drive in creek drainage areas.

Lake Valley Fire to host public hearing on proposed $52/parcel tax

Event Date: 
October 9, 2019 - 4:00pm

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) will hold a public hearing on October 9 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss a proposed $52 per parcel per year tax to fund needed apparatus, equipment, and supplies. They are going to ask voters on March 3, 2020, for the annual tax increase for fire protection, suppression, and emergency medical services.

The special LVFPD Board of Directors hearing will be held at Fire Station 7, 2211 Keetak Street in Meyers.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions permitting, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and California State Parks may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin.

D. L. Bliss State Park - Along Lester Beach Road, between Group Camp and Beach Camp
Type of Burn: Understory, Total Acreage: 65, Planned Ignition: 10/8/2019
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 1 week
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: Northeast
Communities or Smoke Sensitive Areas: Rubicon Bay, Hwy 89

Tahoe Douglas Fire raises funds to award scholarship to Douglas High student

ROUND HILL, Nev. - Every Labor Day, the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) holds a pancake breakfast to support local students in their quest for higher education, and in particular in the field of public service.

They serve Douglas County at Lake Tahoe from the top of Kingsbury Grade to the top of Spooner Summit. This year they chose to invest in the Douglas High School graduating class of 2019 and awarded Alexa Moss with their annual scholarship.

Many of their employees and retirees reside in the valley and have raised their families there.

Column: Mountain towns lobby for funding to protect public lands

Californians, including the people of Lake Tahoe, love our public lands. We love the cold deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the rugged mountains, and the varied forests that are part of the nearly 100 million acres of land all Californians can claim ownership of. We love these public lands not just because of their natural beauty, but because they are central to our way of life. Many of us live here, or moved here, because of what they provide - culture, lifestyle, and livelihood.

Tahoe Douglas fire stations "Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters"

ROUND HILL, Nev. - The fire stations of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) are lit up this week in honor of all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year.

This coming weekend is the 38th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend but TDFPD is making it a week-long event with the lights up at the stations each night.

119 firefighters make up the 2019 list of honorees.

"TDFPD is proud to participate and honor our fellow brothers and sisters who sacrificed all," said TDFPD Fire Marshal Eric Guevin.

Prescribed burns to resume around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Lake Tahoe Basin Fall Prescribed Fire Program may begin as early as September 24, 2019, under the management of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal fire and land management agencies.

Weather and conditions permitting, California State Park crews may begin prescribed fire operations in Burton Creek State Park near Tahoe City and in a couple of weeks move to D.L. Bliss State Park near Tahoma.

Smoke will likely be present.

Local DAR Daughters accept the “No-Straw September” Challenge

In an effort to personally minimize the damage that single-use plastics are creating in our environment, Lake Tahoe Chapter DAR Daughters have accepted the National Society’s “No-Straw September” Challenge.

DAR Daughters everywhere - including members in the greater Lake Tahoe Basin - are eliminating plastic straws from daily routines and rethinking their purchases of single-use plastic items. All members are encouraged to skip using plastic shopping bags, and to participate in consistent plastic recycling.

Lake Valley Fire concerned with repopulation of Sierra House Elementary

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There continue to be harsh words aimed at Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Superintendent Dr. James Tarwater over his handling of the fire, reconstruction and now repopulation of Sierra House Elementary.

Sierra House not ready for all students; Al Tahoe to remain open

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Students and staff at Sierra House Elementary started their first day of school Monday, nine months after a fire caused significant damage to the building and moved students to other locations as work was completed to remove all damaged material and rebuild the inside.

Excitement about the return has been shortlived and shadowed by issues causing authorities to move many of the students back to Al Tahoe Elementary for classes until issues can be resolved on the campus.

Fatal crash involving gas tanker in South Lake Tahoe

Update 10:00 p.m. - One person has died after the tanker truck they were driving on Highway 50 just west of South Lake Tahoe collided with the Upper Truckee River bridge near Elks Club Road.

The preliminary investigation shows that at 11:55 a.m. on Saturday, September 7 the driver of a Toyota Prius was making a right turn from Elks Club Road onto Highway 50 when he pulled out in front of the eastbound truck. According to CHP South Lake Tahoe Commander Terry Lowther, the driver of the Pruis violated the truck driver's right-of-way.

Supervisor Novasel to hold West Shore town hall meetings

Event Date: 
September 11, 2019 - 5:00pm

There are many issues facing the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in the coming weeks and months and District V Supervisor Sue Novasel will hold a series of town hall meetings to discuss them. Topping the list are the fire stations operated by the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District, vacation home rentals, the lack of an El Dorado County Sheriff's deputy living in the area, County road work, snow removal, and fire insurance.

The first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Marie Sluchak Community Park in Tahoma.

Community meeting for the West Fork Carson River Vision Project

Event Date: 
September 10, 2019 - 5:30pm

The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Alpine Watershed Group Meeting will be holding a public meeting on the West Fork Carson River Vision Project on Tuesday, September 10, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Disaster averted after fires left by careless campers doused in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The outcome could have been much different had
there not been a quick response by the U.S. Forest Service-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and other firefighting agencies at two different spots on Monday.

Both fires look like they are a result of illegal campfires, one on the northwest end of Lake Tahoe near Watson Lake and the other south of the basin in Meiss Country.

Two-year SnowGlobe contract signed; New location to be identified by 2021

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The popular outdoor music festival SnowGlobe will be returning to South Lake Tahoe for at least 2019 after a new two-year contract was received by the City this week. MTV/Viacom, owners of the festival, has signed the contract approved by City Council during their June 18, 2019 meeting.

Organizers originally asked for a ten-year contract starting with their ninth annual event in 2019.

Funds awarded to combat climate change and reduce wildfire risk at Lake Tahoe

MEYERS, Calif. - At its meeting today, the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) Board approved a grant of up to $240,286 to California State Parks for forest health management at Burton Creek State Park. Funds for the project come from an earlier grant to the Conservancy from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for high-priority forest health projects designed to combat climate change and reduce the risk of wildfire.

20th annual Markleeville Creek Day during Great Sierra River Cleanup

Event Date: 
September 21, 2019 - 9:00am

MARKLEEVILLE, Calif. - Alpine Watershed Group, in partnership with the Great Sierra River Cleanup, will be hosting its 20th annual Markleeville Creek Day on Saturday, September 21, 2019. This event allows for the completion of important restoration work through several projects across the Carson River watershed. Volunteers will have the opportunity to plant willows in Hope Valley, remediate head cuts in Grover Hot Springs State Park, remove invasive and noxious weeds from meadows and riparian zones, or cleanup roads as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program.

Passionate commitment to keeping Lake Tahoe clear, clean and protected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For 23 years political leaders from the White House to state capitols have professed their commitment to protecting Lake Tahoe.

At the first Lake Tahoe Summit on July 27, 1997, then-President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore told of their commitment to keeping Tahoe blue after decades of erosion from roads, increased emissions from automobiles and boats, removal of wetlands and overgrown and dying forests were threatening its clarity.

Multi-agency response to the water and gas leak on Seneca Drive

A geyser of water and natural gas on Senaca Drive in Meyers on August 6 brought out a full response from South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD), Southwest Gas (SWG), Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) and El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO).

STPUD responded to the call of a water leak and upon arrival found water gushing from a broken water main. They also smelled gas so called SWG and 911. LVFPD and EDSO secured the area and helped evacuate residents and divert water to minimize property damage.

Swimmer drowns near Crystal Bay in Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The Washoe County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is reporting an adult male drowned Friday off the shore at Crystal Bay on the north shore of Lake Tahoe.

The initial call was received at 11:45 a.m. on August 2. The caller reported a non-responsive swimmer was spotted off the shore of a private beach. North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and WCSO both responded.

Witnesses on the beach were able to pull the man out of the water and start with life-saving measures. Emergency personnel continued but were unable to revive him.

Small late night fire in Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An observant Harrah's Tahoe hotel guest helped firefighters attack a South Lake Tahoe fire late Thursday night, allowing them to catch it early and keep it small.

At 11:45 p.m., South Lake Tahoe emergency dispatch received a call about a fire in the area of the gondola. A guest on the hotel's 19th floor had seen fire and called it in.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) went to the hotel to get the height advantage and better pinpoint where the fire had been seen while South Lake Tahoe Fire Department (SLTFD) headed to Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

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