slt fire

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.

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.

Fire Chief tells how Measure S can help fund needs in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will be hard to find someone in favor of taxes, but with them being the reason many things in this world are funded, they are accepted to some degree.

On November 3, the City of South Lake Tahoe will be asking voters for support of a one-cent local sales tax known as Measure S.

New officer sworn in for South Lake Tahoe Police Department

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 2008 Douglas High School graduate is the newest member of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

Ryan Brown was sworn in by SLTPD Chief Brian Uhler in front of family, fellow officers, members of the SLT Fire Department and other staff members on Monday afternoon. He comes from the Alpine County Sheriff's Office where he spent four years as a deputy. Ryan has also been with the Nevada Air National Guard for six years.

Jake Krzaczek sworn in as South Lake Tahoe Police Department's newest officer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Jake Krzaczek, the newest officer for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), was sworn in Monday afternoon in front of a large crowd of family, friends, fellow officers from SLTPD, firemen and paramedics from SLT Fire Rescue, and other members of the community.

Officer Krzaczek, who is 24-years-old, was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe and graduated from STHS in 2013. He has been with the Alpine County Sheriff's Office as a deputy for the past two years.

Parade, food trucks and fireworks highlight South Lake Tahoe 4th of July

Event Date: 
July 4, 2019 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is more to do in South Lake Tahoe on the 4th of July than watch one of the top fireworks shows in the west.

To start off the holiday, the City of South Lake Tahoe is organizing the annual 4th of July parade down Highway 50 from Ski Run Boulevard to Bijou Community Park on Al Tahoe Boulevard starting at 10:00 a.m.

City of South Lake Tahoe newsletter: At Lake Level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Manager Frank Rush writes a community monthly newsletter and shares it on South Tahoe Now. The following is the May 1, 2019 edition:

Sign Up for the Brand New City Newsletter

Kudos: Drug Store Project appreciates help from the community

Tahoe is a glorious place. Most of us come here to live in its beauty, but it’s the “community” that keeps so many of us here. It’s that sense of doing good for one another that keeps many of us hopeful about the future. I’m happily involved in different aspects of our community and that part of my life is why I feel so grateful and blessed. Tuesday’s Drug Store Project for our sixth-grade youth was a testament to the compassion and dedication of our agencies, businesses, service clubs, and community members for the good of its people.

Standstill on South Lake Tahoe area highway and streets; Groups looking into solution

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's almost a perfect storm for traffic in Lake Tahoe: extra visitors in town for the holiday weekend and epic ski conditions with snow and chain requirements over US50 and Echo Summit.

On Monday, locals and visitors alike were part of that storm, leaving motorists stranded along US 50, Lake Tahoe Blvd., and all surface streets in Meyers that have a link to the highway over Echo Summit.

Decorated fire truck schedule: South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
December 10, 2018 (All day)

The longstanding tradition of a decorated fire engine continues in South Lake Tahoe as the SLT Fire Rescue team sets out on nightly travels through neighborhoods December 10-24, 2018. Each nigh the South Lake Tahoe Christmas Engine will leave Station 3 at the Y at 5:00 p.m. and the firefighters will be passing out candy canes to everyone who comes out to see them!

Monday December 10 - Keys/Venice Blvd
Tuesday December 11 - Glenwood area
Wednesday December 12 - Keys Blvd/State streets
Thursday December 13 - Barton/Tahoe Island park

Conversation with the Mayor: Meet to discuss South Lake Tahoe public safety

Event Date: 
October 17, 2018 - 9:00am

This month's "Conversation with the Mayor" will focus on public safety in South Lake Tahoe. Everyone is invited to sit down with Mayor Wendy David, SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston and SLT Police Chief Brian Uhler to discuss both fire and police issues, concerns, successes and status in the community.

Meet at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

Each month during her term, Mayor David has met with local citizens on a variety of subjects in a casual atmosphere.

SLT Fire Rescue crew working the over 33,000 acre Ferguson Fire

Four firefighter/paramedics from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue are part of the 3,000 firefighting personnel at the Ferguson Fire burning northeast of Mariposa in Western Yosemite. This is the fire responsible for sending smoke into the Lake Tahoe basin for a week.

One engine with Captain Tyler Jack, Engineers Kevin Van Kirk and Mike Taormina and Firefighter Danny Vallejo left the South Shore nine days ago for a 14-day assignment at the fire.

They are joined by crews from Fallen Leaf Fire Department, Northstar Fire and North Tahoe Fire Protection District.

Letter: Are public agencies keeping their properties in South Lake Tahoe fire safe?

The author shared the following letter with South Tahoe Now that was sent to SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston concerning fire safety and the responsibility of all public agencies to assist him and the Department in this effort. "Best wishes to you and the men and women of the Fire Department," said Jinkens.

Dear Chief Meston:

First of all, my sincere thanks to you and the men and women who serve our community in the Fire Service. I am grateful for all of your work and effort to keep our community fire safe and to respond to emergency calls for service.

South Lake Tahoe athletes celebrated at Walk of Champions unveiling

"Today is a very special day," South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David said as she opened the unveiling ceremony for the Walk of Champions Friday. "Local athletes are honored for giving South Lake Tahoe recognition on the international and national stage."

Lake Tahoe Humane Society to sell building, but keeps organization going in South Lake Tahoe

The new board of directors for the Lake Tahoe Humane Society (LTHS) has decided to put their building on Emerald Bay Road up for sale.

SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston recognized for filling in as acting city manager

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For four months, Fire Chief Jeff Meston worked as the City's acting city manager, and today he was recognized for his extra service.

During Tuesday's City Council meeting, Meston was awarded with a certificate of appreciation from the Council for taking on the duties from February 7, 2018 to June 5, 2018.

“Chief Meston is not only recognized statewide but also nationally for his numerous accomplishments in the fire world. He took on the duty of Acting City Manager 100% and with grace, with intellect, with wisdom and with experience,” said Mayor Wendy David.

Inaugural "Bikes for Kids" program in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 19, 2018 - 11:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Association and Police Officers Association have joined forces and will be giving away 25 bicycles to pre-selected youth on Saturday, May 19 at the Bijou Bike Park.

Along with a bike, the 25 youth will also receive bike helmets from the California Highway Patrol.

This is the first annual “Bikes for Kids” program that the fire and police agencies are hosting in partnership with the California Highway Patrol and the youth advocate for Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

New South Lake Tahoe communications system; Price tag close to $4M

In the South Lake Tahoe public safety communication system installed in 1965, there are three major problems:

1) There are three systems working totally separately: the police, fire and public works departments;

2) Trees have grown since the system was installed 53 years ago, now blocking signals through the town;

3) Having functioning radio frequencies near water is challenging.

Full agenda for South Lake Tahoe City Council

Tuesday, April 17 will be the next South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, starting at 9:00 a.m. in the council chambers at the airport.

A cannabis ordinance will once again be discussed during the meeting. Micro-businesses, on-site consumption, permit costs, taxes, and number of licensees will be a few of the points they will discuss as an ordinance is developed.

The Council will also be voting on steps to replace the City Attorney and City Manager.

South Lake Tahoe Optimist Club hosts Easter Egg Hunt

Event Date: 
March 31, 2018 - 10:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Optimist Club will be holding their 51st annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31 at Lake Tahoe Community College adjacent to the gymnasium.

The fun gets underway at 10:00 a.m.

At 10:30 a.m., the Easter Bunny will start the traditional parade. There will be judging of all in Easter Bonnets and Easter Costumes starting at 10:45 a.m.

The big hunt for eggs starts at 11:00 a.m.

The hunt is open to ages 11 and under. Areas will be divided by age group, including an area for handicapped children.

Winds cause tree to land on top of South Lake Tahoe duplex

High winds caused a tree to fall onto a duplex on Tahoe Vista Drive in South Lake Tahoe, just before 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 18.

Residents were home in both units and the tree narrowly missed hitting one of the residents according to SLT Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen.

There were no injuries and one of the family's cat was rescued.

A peak wind gust at the South Lake Tahoe airport was measured at 56 mph as of 10:30 a.m., according to the National Weather Service, with average winds 24-32 mph.

Special City Council meeting to decide Kerry's fate; Meston outlines plans

News spread through South Lake Tahoe this week that surprised and shocked many, the City Council's decision to put City Manager Nancy Kerry on indefinite leave. The council will be meeting in closed session on Monday, February 12, 2018 to discuss the situation. Their agenda item, "PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)" starts at 9:00 a.m.

That section of code allows special and closed session meetings to consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee.

VHR meeting postponed after over capacity crowd attends

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting held in South Lake Tahoe had to come to an early end Thursday after a City fire official deemed the over 150 people crammed into the airport council chambers too many over the maximum occupancy of 112 to be safe.

Approximately 300 people filled the airport, all wanting a chance to participate in the County's discussion of amending their vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance. Those not in the council chambers filled the airport lobby.

SnowGlobe thrills attendees as Khalid and others take the stage

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Fans of electronic music have flocked to South Lake Tahoe for the annual SnowGlobe outdoor music festival held December 29-31 at, one the Community Fields. The predominately under-30 crowd come from colleges and communities hundreds and even thousands of miles away to enjoy a specially gathered group of top artists in the electronic dance music (EDM) field.

Along with the fun though comes issues common at most music festivals: noise, trash, underage drinking and drugs.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holiday truck routes

The longstanding tradition of a decorated fire engine continues in South Lake Tahoe as the SLT Fire Rescue team sets out on nightly travels through neighborhoods December 10-24. Each nigh the South Lake Tahoe Christmas Engine will leave Station 3 at the Y at 5:00 p.m. and the firefighters will be passing out candy canes to everyone who comes out to see them!

Sunday December 10 - Keys/Venice Blvd
Monday December 11 - Glenwood area
Tuesday December 12 - Keys Blvd/State streets
Wednesday December 13 - Barton/Tahoe Island park
Thursday December 14 - South Y / Tata Lane area

Outdoor movies in South Lake Tahoe on weekends in December

Event Date: 
December 3, 2017 (All day)

Ever think of watching movies outside during the winter in Lake Tahoe? Now is your opportunity to gather around the fire pits at The Crossing in South Lake Tahoe and watch holiday movies, ski and snowboard movie premieres, participate in fundraisers and have fun with raffle prizes, all part of the new Sierra Cinemas.

Starting Sunday, December 3, Sierra-at-Tahoe, FNCTN and Lake Tahoe AleworX start December off right with "The Polar Express." Its a free, community event in the courtyard at Lake Tahoe AleworX.

Movie Nights:

When: Sunday, 12/3 at 5:00 p.m.
Cause: Boys & Girls Club

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.

New South Lake Tahoe fire engine in town; Wetdown ceremony Saturday

New South Lake Tahoe Fire Engine #3 is ready for service and will be formally initiated in a Wetdown Ceremony during SLT Fire Rescue's Open House on Saturday, October 14.

16th anniversary of 9/11 honored with South Lake Tahoe ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Those who were alive on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 remember exactly what they were doing when they first saw the reports of the four attacks coordinated by al-Qaeda in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Today, sixteen years later, those who lost their lives during the attacks were remembered during a ceremony at the American Legion Hall.

Lake Tahoe Boys and Girls Club treated to end of summer party

South Lake Tahoe philanthropist Lisa Maloff treated the kids who attend the Lake Tahoe Boys and Girls Club (BGCLTG) to an end of summer party Friday. She loved being with the kids during the recent ribbon cutting ceremony the club had for her, and she wanted to continue the fun.

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.

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in South Lake Tahoe Monday

Event Date: 
July 17, 2017 - 9:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department will be hosting the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Monday, July 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at SLT Fire Station #3 located at 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

All donors will receive a limited edition Battle of the Badges shirt.

To schedule an appointment, contact Kim George at (530) 307-9596 or log on to www.BloodHero.com, select “Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: SLTF.

Woman rescued from Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe

6/12/17 8:00 p.m. update - The woman who was rescued from the river, Stephanie Waggoner of Minden, Nev., has died as result falling off her paddleboard in South Lake Tahoe. The Washoe County Coroner's Office will likely release the cause of death Tuesday or Wednesday.

* * *
A 50-year-old woman from the Carson Valley nearly drowned in South Lake Tahoe Wednesday after she fell off her paddle board and got caught underwater in the cold and swift Upper Truckee River.

Rescue and law enforcement crews keeping busy over holiday weekend

10:30 p.m. Sunday: Updated story below:

It has been a busy holiday weekend for the South Lake Tahoe fire and police departments.

SLT Fire Rescue quickly douses fire in South Lake Tahoe garage

A quick response by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Wednesday afternoon saved a home from major damage after a garbage can in the home's garage caught fire.

Owners of the home, which is located on Tahoe Vista Drive near Tahoe Island Drive, were at their residence when the fire started.

According to SLTFR Battalion Chief Tim Spencer, the cause is under investigation but it is suspected fireplace ashes disposed in a garbage can are the culprit. He said the fire was contained to the trashcan and a small part of the garage.

South Lake Tahoe snow covered carport collapses; No injuries

The carport of a South Lake Tahoe home at the corner of Sierra Boulevard and Pinter Avenue collapsed on Monday.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to the call at 2:30 p.m. March 13. Upon arrival they found the carport down with some damage to the home.

Crews responding to the scene secured utilities and patched the roof to avoid further damage.

City, County, State and law enforcement officials meet to discuss Tahoe traffic jams

Sunday traffic heading west from South Lake Tahoe has been a major problem from the city to Meyers all winter long. Last week, on March 5, there were reports of travel time on the 9.3 mile route along Highway 50 from Stateline to Meyers taking eight hours, and from the Y to Meyers, four hours for the 4.3 mile trip.

Gas leak prompts evacuation of South Lake Tahoe Raley's at the Y

A gas leak behind the South Lake Tahoe Raley's at the Y prompted a temporary evacuation of the store Thursday evening.

The first call came in at 4:27 p.m. and South Lake Tahoe Fire and Police departments responded. A gas leak was suspected but the gas meter that services the grocery store was buried in 25-30 feet of snow. SLT Fire Battalion Chief Tim Spencer called in the City's Public Works department who brought a front loader that was able to dig through all of the snow.

City approves redesigned fire inspection procedures and fees

Not all changes to the City of South Lake Tahoe's master fee schedule results in higher fees for residents and business owners.

During Tuesday' City Council meeting, Kevin Fabino, Director of the Development Services Department, presented the new Fire/Life Safety Inspection Program, something all South Lake Tahoe businesses must participate in annually for the safety of their customers and staff. The SLT Fire Department conducted the inspections until 2011, but they were suspended due to staffing shortages until 2015 when a fire inspector was hired for Fabino's department.

SLT Fire Rescue responds to house fire and 34 other calls in 24 hours

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has had a very busy week, from battling flooded streets, homes, businesses, downed power lines, fallen trees, stuck cars, collisions and even a house fire.

South Lake Tahoe has just two fire engine companies, so 35 calls in one day would keep a department three times as big very busy.

Flooding closing South Lake Tahoe area roads

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - El Dorado County has closed Lake Tahoe Blvd at Sawmill Pond due to flooding just before 11:00 a.m. It is closed in both directions according to the California Highway Patrol with over two feet of water on the roadway. They are expecting the flooding to spread in the area.

South Lake Tahoe Police Department is assisting with signage going up to warn travelers.

12:52 p.m. Sunday update - Highway 50 at Sierra at Tahoe Blvd is experiencing flooding. Reports of high water at Apache Drive in Meyers by the Post Office, and Lake Tahoe Blvd around Angora Creek.

Ahead of storm, hundreds of sandbags filled at South Lake Tahoe locations

12:00 p.m. update Saturday - The City of South Lake Tahoe just received a load of sand at their maintenance yard on Rufus Allen. They are back open 24/7 until supplies run out again. They had run out of sand at both locations this morning.

* * *
In just two hours Friday afternoon, 220 sandbags had been filled and carted off by residents preparing for the upcoming storm. With up to ten inches of precipitation heading to Lake Tahoe, and most in the form of rain, City of South Lake Tahoe officials are warning everyone to take all precautions necessary to stay safe.

Small fire in South Lake Tahoe duplex

For the third time in two evenings, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) was called out to a fire, this time at a duplex on Markoffer Road near Pioneer Trail.

At 7:06 p.m., firefighters responded to an emergency call to one unit of the duplex where an electrical fire had occurred.

It was a small fire according to SLT Fire Captain Al Martinez. He said the likely cause is a nail through a wire leading to the home's furnace. Martinez told South Tahoe Now that the solo occupant of the home was displaced for the night since the heater was out of service.

Broken water pipes could continue to be an issue with upcoming cold weather

The forecast for South Lake Tahoe over the next seven days calls for cold temperatures, winds and several inches of snow, a recipe for an increased risk of broken pipes in homes and businesses in the area.

Last week, both a private home on Saddle Road and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe suffered through broken pipes, a scene that the SLT Fire Rescue Department sees about two dozen times a year. Over the last seven years, SLTFR has responded to 168 calls for broken water pipes. Local plumbers have responded to hundreds of others as well.

Former South Lake Tahoe Fire Capt. Mark Wygant pleads guilty to child porn charge

Former South Lake Tahoe Fire Captain Mark McLeod Wygant, 46, pleaded guilty in federal court today to transportation of child pornography.

Following an FBI and SLT Police Department investigation, Wygant was a
arrested on Jan. 29 2015 and has been in custody ever since. He had been immediately placed on administration leave but resigned just days after his arrest.

"I am pleased that Mr. Wygant plead guilty to his crime and the punishment will now in the hands of the criminal justice system," said SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston.

Fire starts in truck bed at Happy Homestead Cemetery

South Lake Tahoe firefighters responded to the Happy Homestead Cemetery on Johnson Blvd. Wednesday evening to put out a fire that started in the bed of an older model Ford truck. Crews quickly extinguished the flames.

No injuries were reported.

The fire is under investigation according to SLT Fire Rescue and amount of damage has not been reported as of yet.

Lake Valley Fire promotes and hires seven, welcomes Chief Alameda

It wasn't your normal badge ceremony and pinning at Lake Valley Fire District firehouse in Meyers, a celebration of a new hire or new promotion. This time, it was historic, a ceremony that saw not only new new hires, but the promotion at all ranks in the department, including a new Fire Chief.

Fire behind Motel 6 in South Lake Tahoe on Monday

4:00 p.m. update - A fire that burned behind Motel 6 in South Lake Tahoe Monday consumed a 50 x 50 square patch of dry brush before being brought under control by the first responders.

1:53 p.m. the call came into dispatch, and immediately a full response headed to the scene. The fire is out and investigators from CalFire and USFS are looking into the cause.

The fires on the South Shore the past few months have not officially been labeled suspicious and most remain under investigation.

* * *

Early morning fire in South Lake Tahoe burns almost 3 acres

10:30 a.m. update: The Ralph Fire, burning in the Heavenly Creek/Powerline Trail area above Ralph Drive in South Lake Tahoe, is now 60 percent contained.

Firefighters are now in mop-up mode and full containment is expected shortly according to the U.S. Forest Service.

****

The fourth fire to burn around South Lake Tahoe this week burned almost three acres early Friday morning in heavy brush on a steep slope above Pioneer Trail.

South Tahoe High teachers extinguish fire at the school

Quick thinking and action by three South Tahoe High teachers helped put out a fire at the campus just as the first day of school came to a close on August 29.

Melissa Berry called 911 and grabbed the fire extinguisher from her classroom and joined fellow teachers Lori Buchan and Whitney Pomeroy in putting out the fire just off the "C" wing at the school.

"The teachers did a good job stopping the fire and it suppressed when we arrived," said SLT Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Tim Spencer told South Tahoe Now at the scene.

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