valley fire

Smith Valley fire at 1,500 acres, power out to Walker/Coleville area

10:42 p.m. update: Power restored to all customers at 10:19 pm.

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Multiple agencies have responded to a fire burning in Smith Valley, Nevada that has grown to 1,500 acres as of Sunday evening. It is burning in the area of Highway 208 and the Wellington Cut-Off.

There are approximately 300 firefighters, 25 engines, three helicopters, eight fixed wing and four hand crews on scene fighting fire.

Nolen Buchanan found guilty on three counts of 1st degree murder

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An El Dorado County jury of five women and seven men deliberated about two hours Wednesday, coming back with a quick verdict in the case of Nolen Keith Buchanan, the Benicia, California teen that had been accused of killing his family and setting their cabin on fire to cover his tracks.

Many area emergency personnel carry Naloxone for overdoses

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) is joining the South Lake Tahoe Fire and Lake Valley Fire medics in having their personnel carrying medication used to block the effects of opioids. Narcan (commercial name for Naloxone) can be given to persons suffering from suspected or accidental opioid overdoses at the earliest possible time to minimize overdosing.

Nolen Buchanan murder trial in South Lake Tahoe nearing end

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At 10:00 a.m. on September 13, 2015, Garden Valley Fire Department personnel responded to a wildland fire in the community of Greenwood in western El Dorado County, on Highway 193 between Cool and Georgetown. Upon arrival they found a residence still smoldering, but burned to the ground.

In the ashes were found the charred remains of Adam Buchanan, 38, his fiancée Molly McAffe, 37, and their 8-year-old son Gavin Buchanan. All three were shot before the cabin was burned down.

Letter: Ms. Lisa Maloff’s lesson to South Lake Tahoe

In an ever more vitriolic, self-centered and money hungry culture, the magnificent moments appear to be farther and fewer between. However, in Tahoe, a constant bright spot has been found over the past several years with Ms. Lisa Maloff’s numerous charitable donations. Illustrated by the exhaustive list below, it is overwhelming to envision the impact she has had on our little community. And, while most would argue that the money has all the power to change everything, I disagree.

Memorial Day ceremony to honor Lake Valley Firefighter Larry Stewart

Lake Valley firefighter Larry Stewart was on his way to a fire at Camp Richardson on Friday July 3, 1964 when the water tender truck he was driving ran into a tree. He died two days later.

On Memorial Day, 2018, Stewart will be dedicated on the Public Safety Wall of Honor during a ceremony at Happy Homestead Cemetery. The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m.

In 2017, the first ceremony was held and the names of US Forest Service-Tahoe Basin Firefighter Mikey Hallenbeck and Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) irefighter Mitch Underhill were permanently etched on the Wall.

US-395 closed near Topaz Lodge after mudslide crosses roadway into hotel

UPDATE 5/22 6:35 a.m. :. On May 21, 2018 at approximately 6:38 p.m. East Fork Fire Protection District and Douglas County Emergency Management was dispatched to several reports of massive debris flows across US 395 in several locations in and around the Topaz Lodge and on Topaz Park Road.

The Topaz Lodge was occupied with about 200 people who sheltered in place during the event. West 395 and Topaz Park Road were completely impassable. Approximately 20 occupied motor vehicles were impacted on the roadways, with no reported injuries.

New updates to County VHR ordinance could be in place by July

The El Dorado County Vacation Home Rental Ordinance was first created in 1997 and updated in 2004. At this time there are 900 permitted vacation home rentals (VHRs) in the County, 800 of which are in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

What started out with a “Good Neighbor Policy” has morphed into neighbors versus neighbors in El Dorado County and an ongoing VHR discussion as Supervisors work to create a new ordinance.

The woman behind South Lake Tahoe police composite drawings

Connecting with victims and witnesses after a crime is not just the job of law enforcement, its also the job of composite sketch artists.

Imagine talking to a child who just witnessed a horrific crime, a woman who has just been raped, or a man who beaten up as another man murdered, and needing them to remember the face of the perpetrator.

Kudos: Drug Store Project successful due to community partnerships

If you had walked onto the LTCC campus on Tuesday, April 3, you would have never guessed that there were 325 6th grade youth and 220 agency and volunteer workers throughout the corridors, all learning information on how and why to keep themselves safe from drugs. “Choices, what are yours?” was the theme of our efforts in keeping our youth drug free. With the country’s attitudes and norms about drug use changing, times are even more difficult for our kids.

Free sandbags are available for residents ahead of wet storm

There is a very warm, wet storm heading to Lake Tahoe, the Sierra and western Nevada, bringing with is gusty winds and significant rains beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday. There is a flood watch in effect from Friday, April 6, 05:00 p.m. until Sunday, April 8 at 5:00 a.m. The main concern is the potential for flooding along creeks, streams, rivers and in urban areas.

Snow levels may rise as high as 11000 feet, keeping the bulk of the precipitation in the form of rain. Rainfall totals between 2 to 4 inches are expected along the

Low public turnout for EDC budget presentation

MEYERS and SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Don Ashton has been making the rounds to communities throughout the county, explaining the budget through an informative presentation and discussion.

Most of the communities Ashton has visited have had 15-20 citizens in attendance, all asking questions and giving input in the budget process as Ashton and the Supervisors figure out how to save $20M over the next four years to meet CalPers pension liabilities.

Annual Easter Egg hunt hosted by Lake Valley Fire

Event Date: 
April 1, 2018 - 9:30am

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District annual Easter Egg Hunt is always a great annual family experience. This year, on April 1 at Tahoe Paradise Park in Meyers, 10,000 eggs will be hidden for the younger set, including the golden eggs with special prizes.

Arrive at 9:30 a.m. to get ready for the 10:00 a.m. hunt. The fire truck will also be there again with the Easter Bunny, so bring your camera.

There is limited parking in the park.

For more information, call 530.577.3737.

Meyers traffic plan has some success after first weekend

If you drive through Meyers on a Sunday you've most likely come across gridlock traffic through the neighborhoods as vehicles trying to head west after their South Lake Tahoe weekend look for the quickest route, courtesy of smart phone apps.

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel held a Town Hall meeting on February 28, providing a forum for residents, law enforcement and staff to discuss solutions. One suggestion that came out of that meeting was put into place on Sunday, March 4 and was fairly successful.

Head-on collision in South Lake Tahoe sends six to area hospitals

Update 6:45 p.m.: The driver of one of the vehicles, a 29-year-old woman from Stateline, Nevada has been arrested on charges of a Felony DUI and is in the El Dorado County Jail on $125,000 bail.

She was driving a Range Rover eastbound when, for reasons unknown at this time, she traveled into the westbound lane, striking a BMW with five occupants, ages 19-31, all from the Bay Area. The Range Rover was traveling about 40 mph at the time of impact according to the CHP. This is the speed limit at that area of Pioneer Trail.

56th annual Lake Valley Fire Fighter's Ball

Event Date: 
March 9, 2018 - 5:30pm

The 56th annual Lake Valley Fire Figher's Ball will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Edgewood Tahoe.

Tickets are $100 and include dinner and dancing.

This is a save the date: more details will be coming soon.

Identity of man who died at Heavenly released

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - The Santa Rosa, California man who died of blunt force trauma after going over a retaining wall and falling at Heavenly Mountain Resort on December 27, 2017 has been identified.

Lewis "Lucky" Carillo III, 49, died despite what many called "heroic" efforts to save his life by Heavenly ski patrol, Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue personnel.

Santa Rosa man dies while skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Heavenly Mountain Resort has confirmed a Santa Rosa, California man died while at the resort on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.

The unidentified 49-year-old man was on a beginner run near the Poma Trail.

“Heavenly Mountain Resort, Heavenly Ski Patrol, and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guest’s family and friends,” said Mike Goar, vice president of mountain division and chief operating officer of Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Thran's Flowers and Lake Valley Fire give 10 families a Christmas tree

Ten local families will have a merrier Christmas after Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD), with the help of Katie Long of Thran's Flowers, made sure they had a decorated tree set up in their homes.

Captain Chuck Malone and Firefighter/Paramedic Dusty LaChapelle delivered the trees and, according to LVFPD, were delighted to help deliver and were overjoyed to see the smiles on the faces of the families that received the trees.

Thran's Flowers donated the trees, stands, lights and ornaments.

Local firefighters on their way to fight the Thomas Fire in Ventura County

Over 60 fire-fighting personnel from the Tahoe Basin Operational Area have been deployed to the Thomas Fire which is burning out of control in Ventura County, Calif. 15 engines, making up three strike crews, will be joining one thousand others fighting the fire which started at approximately 6:28 p.m. Monday evening.

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

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

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.

Getting ready for the holidays in Meyers

Event Date: 
December 1, 2017 - 5:00pm

It was a true community project last weekend as Meyers residents prepared their famous tree for the holidays.Ed Cook Tree Service provided the crane and one of the climbers up the tree was rock climber Paul Crawford.

The Meyers Community Foundation's 7th annual Tree Lighting Celebration will be held on Friday, December 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Catch Santa arriving by a Calstar helicopter, enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn and see the Lake Valley Fire Christmas Truck.

Catch all the activity in the Divided Sky/Downtown Cafe parking lot.

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.

Business licenses issued by City of South Lake Tahoe

The following are the 59 new business licenses issued by the City of South Lake Tahoe in the month of August, 2017:

August 1
CONCRETE BUILDERS GROUP INC
JOHNSON WELDING & FABRICATION
RIDESHARE BRIAN SMITH
TAHOE TOTAL RESOURCES

August 2
HELITAHOE HELICOPTERS
PORTRAY DAVID HAROLDE PHOTOGRAPHY

August 3
CALIFORNIA CABINET & STORE FIXTURE\
WOOD EXCAVATING INC

August 7
OHANA MIDWIFERY & WELLNESS
SIERRA VALLEY PAINTING INC
TAHOE FIRE DANCERS

August 8
LAW OFFICE OF LACEY VAN ETTEN
MICHEL G VAN GORDON MA LMFT
PACIFIC CONTRACT FLOORING INC
TRUE TIMBER BUILDERS

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.

Fire Fest returns to the South Shore

Event Date: 
September 30, 2017 - 10:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Helicopters, fire trucks, K-9s and demonstrations are just a few of the activities planned for 23rd annual Fire Fest on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe.

Admission is free and the event is a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about safety and conservation.

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.

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

Low cost flu clinics in South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Nursing, will begin conducting low-cost community flu shot clinics on September 27, 2017, with additional clinics offered through November.

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.

Fallen Leaf Lake Fire added to CalTahoe JPA

For years the Fallen Leaf Lake Fire Department (FLLF) has wanted to join the South Lake Tahoe and Lake Valley fire departments and be part of the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (CTESOA), and today they finally got their wish.

During Monday's meeting of CTESOA, also known as the CalTahoe JPA, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to add FLFF, giving them an ALS to be stationed at Fallen Leaf Lake as well as a possible voting spot on the board. (ALS-Advanced Life Support)

El Dorado County safety personnel kept busy on South Shore

Wednesday and Thursday were very busy for local safety personnel and volunteers in El Dorado County as they responded to four search and rescue calls and another call concerning suspicious gunshots.

At noon Wednesday, August 9, Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers were initially told a male hiker on the Tahoe Rim Trail near Freel Peak was suffering from an allergic reaction to peanuts. The victim was able to walk out to awaiting rescuers near Willow Creek Road below Horse Thief Canyon.

Inaugural National Night Out in South Lake Tahoe a success

The South Lake Tahoe and Meyers communities were out in force at the Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet School on August 1 for the first local observation of National Night Out.

Lightning strikes tree as weather brings hail and heavy rain

A strong thunderstorm made its way through the South Shore Sunday at 2:10 p.m., leaving behind heavy rain, small hail, some minor flooding and a downed tree. The National Weather Service in Reno said wind gusts were up to 40 mph in some areas at the time.

On Oglala Street in Meyers, lightning struck the top of a tree and caused it to "explode" according to neighbors. Lake Valley Fire Department arrived almost immediately and there was no major damage, and no injuries.

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 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.

Head on collision on Black Bart Ave in South Lake Tahoe

Three people were`sent to the hospital Thursday afternoon after two cars collided on Black Bart Avenue in South Lake Tahoe.

Just after 4:00 p.m., the driver of one of the cars involved apparently fell asleep at the wheel, drifted over the yellow line into the path of a second car according to Ruth Loehr of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Loehr said both drivers were transferred to the hospital as well as one passenger.

CHP, El Dorado County Sheriff's officers, Lake Valley Fire and paramedics responded to the crash which closed a section of the road for almost an hour.

Local firefighters stop by celebrity golf to support Charles Barkley

"Charles Barkley became a beacon of hope and support for the firefighters and the recovery efforts of the community," Tahoe Douglas Fire Marshal Eric Guevin told the crowd at the 10th tee Friday morning. "Charles, we are here to support and cheer you on in your game today. We want people to care, be aware and prepare for wildfires. On behalf of the Fire Chiefs of Lake Tahoe, Sir Charles thank you for caring."

South Lake Tahoe 4th of July weekend: Safety urged for for a fun holiday

South Lake Tahoe area law enforcement, agencies and safety personnel are preparing for a very busy holiday weekend, full of people coming to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. With a very high lake level, and overflowing rivers, caution and safety are urged to have a fabulous weekend in Lake Tahoe.

And they aren't only going to be dealing with water safety. Rules and regulations along the beaches will also be enforced for safety reasons.

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

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.

Firefighter safety training at Knight's Inn in South Lake Tahoe

Firefighters from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Lake Valley Fire Departments along with CalFire participated in firefighter survival training Wednesday at the site of the soon-to-be-demolished Knight's Inn.

In the past, fire crews were able to practice their skills when removing old buildings as they burned them instead of bulldozed, but environmental codes today prevent that.

Instead, fake smoke was used in Wednesday's training.

10th anniversary of Angora Fire: "I didn't think it'd be fair for us to have fun with the tragedy"

June 25 to July 10, 2007: The Angora Fire destroys 242 homes, burns 3,100 acres, destroys 67 commercial structures, and damages 35 other homes. The fire was 100% contained by July 2 and firefighters had 100% control of the fire on July 10.

July 13 to July 15, 2007: 78 celebrities participate in the American Century Golf Championship at Edgewood Tahoe.

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