Our History

1959

Washoe County Commissioners formed the Fire District via NRS.354.624. The locals recommended the name Crystal Bay Fire Protection District, due to confusion with Kings Beach (North Tahoe Fire Protection District). Washoe County Commissioners name it North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. The District was formed out of area administered by the Nevada Division of Forestry, by a general election.
1st fire station in Crystal Bay (on Reservoir, now owned by the Biltmore).
The District consists of Crystal Bay and the lakeshore area only.
The 1960s was primarily a volunteer fire agency, which slowly hired career staff.

1962

The Fire District annexes the rest of the current District, as development occurs above the Mt. Rose Highway, by the election of the population.

1969

Jack Kissinger appointed Fire Chief.

1965

2nd fire station was constructed on the corner of Oriole & Tanager, Incline Village (current location Incline Station).

1974

Wallace “Pepper” Martin appointed Fire Chief.

1975

NLTFPD charter member of North Tahoe Regional Chiefs Association.
Insurance Services survey results in a rating of Class 5, and property owners receive a reduction in insurance premiums.
Firefighter Steve Rose killed during a training drill.

1976

Robert Brenner appointed as Fire Marshal.

1977

Adoption of the 1976 Uniform Fire Code, NLTFPD becomes fires fire agency in Nevada to conduct a plan review of all structures requiring a building permit.

1979

Daily career staffing up to 5 per day between two stations.
Gerry Adams started the Public Education program with a hand puppet and lots of foresight.
MGM Grand Fire in Las Vegas results in comprehensive regulations requiring retrofit of all high-rise structures in Nevada.
Rich Dwinell firefighter/engineer organizes a successful fund drive for the first “Jaws of Life” rescue tool. Major support comes from the Republican women’s Club and the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation.
Nugget Casino fire results in one fire fatality.

1980

Loren Enstad appointed Fire Chief, Don Morgenson appointed Assistant Fire Chief, Gerald Adams appointed Fire Marshal and Dave Zaski leads Public Education Program. Dave trained at Fire Academy in Maryland.
Nevada legislature passes law shifting district funding from property tax to sales tax.
The district becomes a charter member of Lake Tahoe Regional Fire chiefs Association, allowing the closest resource to respond to any emergency without regard for jurisdictional boundaries.

1981

Private ambulance discontinues staffing within district boundaries.
Assistant Fire Chief Don Morgenson and Steve Brady M.D. develop temporary ambulance service and transport protocol under district control. community volunteers Frank and JoAnn Payne, Shirley Dale, and many others commit hundreds of hours in support of the fire district establishing paramedic services.
District prevails in Property Tax Initiative to fund permanent ambulance service and build Station 3.

1982

The tax initiative passed with 80% approval for an advanced life support service (Paramedic) and the addition of another fire station to serve upper subdivisions. With those funds, the 3rd fire station on Mt. Rose was constructed and staffed (currently station #13).
Approximately 4,500 sq. ft.
Houses 1 structure engine and 1 ambulance.
6 full-time firefighter/paramedics position established to provide ambulance service.
District responds to Reno and Carson City to assist in two major simultaneous wildfires, Franktown Road in Washoe Valley and Zolezzi Lane in South Reno.
The district becomes a charter member of Sierra Front Interagency Wildfire Cooperators. Membership includes multiple federal, state, county, and local fire agencies.

1983

Began offering official Public Education programs to the community.
District conforms to National Interagency Management System which subsequently transitions into the Incident Command System which becomes the standard for both the Lake Tahoe Region and the Sierra Front.
Legislation passed to require all elections of the Board of directors to be conducted by the County Clerk and Registrar of Voters. Before this, the district administration conducted all of the district elections.

1985

Assessed valuation of $365,297,560.
Full-time residents 10,000.
The district consists of 16 square miles.
Started Defensible Space program including Block Party activities to educate homeowners about prescribed burning, led by Fire Marshal Gerry Adams.
The Neighbors For Defensible Space homeowner group was formed, led by Fire Marshal, Gerry Adams.
The district participates in the National Wildland Urban Interface conference in Montana wherein the keynote address features Sierra Front Wildfire cooperators. The takeaway from the conference is a computer program called “PC Behave” which forecasts fire behavior.

1986

District presentation to the community shows residents how the community is impacted by wildland fire using computer programming.
“Neighbors for Defensible Space” is organized; Fire Marshal Adams is assisted by community volunteers Don Kornreich, Doug Clifford, Fire Ecologist Dr. Bob Sweeney, and many others.

1987

Mutual Aid agreements were arranged. The region was suffering larger wildland fires, and an agreement was made to share resources under the Lake Tahoe Regional Fire Chiefs and the Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators.
Partnership with Incline Village General Improvement District results in removing “thousands” of trees from greenbelt areas in the district.
Manually created sheltered fuel breaks in high-hazard areas.
Began public CPR program under Red Cross organization guidelines.
Advanced Life Support program – 1st fire district to use external cardiac pacing (part of a pilot project in California and Nevada).
Increased staffing to accommodate communities' medical service needs due to the closure of the local medical facility, Lakeside Medical Hospital.

1988

Insurance Services Office conducts a rating survey resulting in an improvement from Class 5 to Class 3, and insurance premiums for property owners are reduced.

1994

Created the Fuels Management Team.
HazMat Team formed with Placer County – began training and services.

1995

The first prescribed fire in the greenbelt adjacent to First Creek canyon burned 10 acres.
Became CPR training center for American Heart Association enabling the district to serve as a regional facility for other businesses.
1st District Strategic Plan adopted.

1996

Prescribed fire – burned 13 acres.
High and Low Angle Rescue Program began.
Company Officer certification begins.

1997

Lake Tahoe Presidential Forum held at Incline Village, President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and Vice President Al Gore, issued an Executive Order for actions to protect Lake Tahoe.
New Crystal Bay fire station was constructed (station #12) behind the post office at 14 Cal Neva Drive, Crystal Bay, NV. Traded old station to the Biltmore.
Approximately 6,000 sq. ft.
Houses 1 structure engine and 1 ambulance, 1 brush engine.
Prescribed fire – burned 47 acres.

1998

Prescribed fire – burned 57 acres.

1999

James Linardos appointed Fire Chief.
Fire District website created, www.nltfpd.net.
Prescribed fire – burned 68 acres and hand thinned and pile burned 100 acres.
Added Water Rescue services, Marine 16 added to the rescue fleet. Received free boat from Washoe County Search & Rescue (US Navy surplus).
Signed long-term contract with IAFF Local 2139 union.
Agreement with Washoe County Sheriff to provide rescue services in Lake Tahoe/Mt. Rose area.
100’ ladder truck purchased. Added 1 person to augment staffing.

2000

Prescribed fire – burned 8 acres and hand thinned and pile burned 253 acres.
ISO (Insurance Services Organization) maintained at a 3. Insurance rates were maintained.
Ladder truck (T-11) in service. A new squad (S-11) and 2 engines were replaced for a standardized fleet.
Training tower purchased for operational training.
Hired full-time Public Education/Information Officer to coordinate 20+ public education programs as well as Fuels Management and EMS education programs.
New Strategic Plan adopted.

2001

Prescribed fire – burned 30 acres and hand thinned and pile burned 340 acres.
Martis Fire challenges District from the northwest.

2002

Prescribed fire – burned 34 acres and hand thinned and pile burned 380 acres.
Began seeking grant monies to fund fuels treatment work and public education programs.

2003

An assessed valuation of $1.4 billion.
1500 alarms annually (84% EMS).
60 paid personnel year-round.
20 seasonal hand crew personnel.
Prescribed fire – burned 0 acres (due to weather problems) and hand thinned and pile burned 225 acres.
HazMat trailer purchased with FEMA grant monies.
Mobile Air trailer purchased with FEMA grant monies.

2004

Submitted plans to TRPA for new fire station on Tanager (station #11 headquarters currently at 10,000 sq. ft . Today houses 2 structure engines, 1 brush truck, 2 ambulances, 1 squad, 1 mobile air trailer, 3 hand crew buggies, and administration vehicles). Plans were approved in June.
Grant monies secured for fuels and public education programs total over $500,000 and contractual agreements total over $680,000.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NLTFPD and TRPA enables the fire district to mark trees and begin a structured Defensible Space Evaluation Program in June. Over 200 homeowners sign up within 1st two months.
The Board of Directors expanded to 5 members.
Downsized administrative staff by combining 2 positions into one.
Slide Mountain Handcrew adds 10 members, totaling 30 personnel.

2005

Started construction on the new fire station #11
Expanded the Board of Directors from 3 to 5 members
Finalized new 2006 – 2009 Strategic Plan
The district received a “System of Cover” analysis to improve emergency services.
Upgraded radio system utilizing FEMA (Homeland Security) grant monies to improve interoperability. The new system is 800mGhz and is part of the Washoe County system.
Thermal imagers on all fire engines and the ladder truck.
Increased Slide Mountain Handcrew members from 30 to 40 personnel.
Banner year for hazardous fuels reduction, totaling 660 acres.
Continue training with Washoe County Sheriff's Office for Incline Village Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

2006

Installed two radio-activated Remote Access Weather Stations (RAWS).
The Board of Directors approved two Type III fire engines.
Participated in several major wildfire incidents.
Moved into new station #11 at 875 Tanager Street and retired from old station #11 (now called Incline Station).
Held first Flu Shot Clinic in collaboration with Washoe County Health Department.
Prescribed fire – burned 75 acres and pile burned 65 acres.

2007

Parasol Community Collaboration awarded the fire district ‘Outstanding Collaborative Program/Event’ for the ‘Living at Tahoe’ series.
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) awarded fire district ‘Honorable Mention’ in Special Publications/brochures for state/regional/national government divisions.
Launched a new website design.
Hosted Washoe County Emergency Management multi-agency operations drill ‘Operation Safe Neighborhood’ Evacuation Drill.
Responded and provided support for Angora Fire, South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Federal directive, Blue Ribbon Commission formed – NLTFPD on the advisory committee with Chief Brown serving on the committee.

2008

District participated in Fire H.I.R.E. from which we hired and placed through an academy three extremely good employees.
Actively participated in the Bi-State Blue Ribbon Commission. Both CA and NV Governors adopted the final report and set into stage numerous positive changes associated with fuel reduction work around the Tahoe Basin.
Secured grants in excess of 1 million dollars for fuel reduction work here in the Incline Village/Crystal Bay area.
Final purchase and arrival of two new type III fire engines.
Designed, purchased, and placed into service 4 new crew carriers.
Adopted ICC codes, with many hours spent on research by the Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Marshal for the adoption of these codes.
Currently completing WUI ordinances with Tahoe Douglas Fire District and Washoe County.
Completed Cooperative agreements with the City of Reno/TMFPD, Sierra Fire District, NDF, USFS, OES, and North Tahoe Fire Protection District.
Placed a third-hand crew in operation, for a total of 60 crew members, with agreements between North Tahoe Fire Protection District and our Fire District.
Promoted several employees to positions of Battalion Chief, Captains, and Engineers.
Third Creek Fuels Reduction project.
Conducted the ‘Every 15 Minutes Program’ with Incline High School.

2009

Awarded Assistance to Firefighter's Grant (AFG) EMW-2008-FO-06140 in the amount of $241,575.00 for SCBA's.

2010

The Fire District purchased 45 new SCBAs under the AFG grant.

2012

Incline Station training room remodel completed.

2013

Introduced Hypothermic Therapy on cardiac arrest patients.
An integral member of the Cohesive Strategy, a three-region program that includes the northeastern, southern, and western regions of Nevada. Our community is a model program/community for fuels reduction, mitigation, and defensible space.
Approved Resolution #13-1, adopting the 2012 International Fire Code, superseding Resolution #07-03.
Approved Resolution #13-2 adopting the 2012 Wildland Urban Interface Code., superseding Resolution #04-03.
Approval for the purchase of two type 1 Rosenbauer engines at $490,895.00 each, $981,790.00 total.
Station #13 remodel completed.

2014

Ryan Sommers promoted to Assistant Fire Chief
Division Chief Szczurek retired after 30 years with the Fire District
Governor issued a proclamation to the Fire District for being the first Heart Safe Community in the state of Nevada.
Completed 354 defensible space evaluations and 193 chipping requests.

2015

Discussion to adopt the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) which will create eligibility to apply for grant funds to help with identified priority fuels reduction projects.
Jeff Sambrano promoted to Battalion Chief.
Two Rosenbauer engines delivered.
RescueNet ePCR system by ZOLL adopted.
Renewed the Wildland Fire Protection Program agreement with the State of Nevada Division of Forestry. Cost is $60,000 per year and allows the Fire District to access funds from the State of Nevada should the need arise due to a catastrophic incident.
Purchased ambulance from Braun Northwest.

2016

Welcome to Jennifer Donohue, position of Fire Inspector
The District responded to a fatal structure fire on August 7th
Fire Chief Mike Brown retired
Interim Fire Chief Ryan Sommers becomes Fire Chief

2017

Fire Chief Sommers recognized Bryan Calder for promotion to Assistant Fire Chief, Dave McClellan to Battalion Chief and Jed Horan to Captain
Approved Cooperative Agreement between Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD)
Inter-Local Agreement between NLTFPD and the County of Washoe on behalf of Washoe County Sheriff's Office, allowing usage for Raven helicopter and services included
Memo of Understanding (MOU) between the NLTFPD and Incline Village Board of Realtors to improve the safety of vacation rental properties.
Isaac Powning promoted to Division Chief, Carol Green promoted to Battalion Chief and Mark Regan promoted to Fire Marshal
In-house Captains Academy with 12 participants

2018

May 31, June 1 "Every 15 Minutes" program at Incline High School
Defensible Space Block Party in Apollo neighborhood
Russell Barnum promoted to Captain, Justin Ashby promoted to temporary Captain, Brian Maples promoted to Engineer, Eric Darragh promoted to Fuels Prevention Specialist, Josh Whitman promoted to Crew Supervisor and welcome to new employees FF/PM Scott Kesler and Dale Spieker
Agreement between BLM, USFS and NLTFPD to provide for cooperation in the wildland fire management and all-hazard emergency support function.
Interlocal Agreement between Drone America, public service agencies, Tahoe Douglas Fire and NLTFPD to allow the District to utilize their equipment when deemed useful or necessary
Bi-State Evacuation Drill including two states, two counties and numerous agencies
Officially awarded a Public Protection Classification 1, the highest-ranking possible through the Insurance Services Office (ISO)

2019

Captain Bruce Hicks retired
Strategic Plan completed and published

2020

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Calder retired
Adoption and Resolution of the Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Completed a 21-acre understory burn, one of the District's largest prescribed burns
Contract approved with NV Energy to add a third NV Energy Hand Crew to work with the District, funded by NV Energy for two Type 6 engine modules
Moved dispatch from Washoe County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) to Grass Valley Emergency Communications Center (GVECC)
Russell Barnum appointed Assistant Fire Chief
Took possession of a new rescue boat funded by the Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation
Purchased new Type 1 engine to be put in service at station 13

2021

Added a third Type 6 engine for the NV Energy Hand Crew
Jennifer Donohue promoted to Fire Marshal
Acres burned 2020 - 2021 totaled 211
Working with Washoe County Health District, NLTFPD held a significant role in administering COVID-19 vaccinations in our community
240 acres pile burned, the most in one year to date
Caldor Fire reaches South Lake Tahoe, the District responds with personnel and resources supporting suppression efforts

2022

Battalion Chief Dave McClellan retired on January 24, 2022, after 24 years of service with the District.
Fuels Division reports growth from 6 personnel to 65 personnel
Pulse Point, a 911-connected app is adopted by the District and launched to the community
Adopted amended fee schedule to include fire district fees for application review and inspection(s) of Short-Term Rentals (STR) in relation to the STR Ordinance, Chapter 110, and Resolution R21-001, as adopted by Washoe County Board of County Commissioners.
Elected Officers for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Board of Directors. Positions remain the same as they were for 2021: Susan Herron, Chair; Art Cross, Vice Chair; Denise Bremer, Secretary-Treasurer; Jim Costalupes, Director.
The Fire District recognized the passing and years of service of retired Engineer Ray Edwards on March 10^th. Ray served with NLTFPD from 1974 – 2002.
Approved Resolution 22-01, reflecting the currently adopted code editions, resolutions aligning with the recently adopted amended fee schedule, thus superseding Resolution 16-1.
Adjusted ambulance billing rates for FY 2022-2023 to 3 times the Medicare reimbursable rate for in-system transports and 6 times for long-distance transports. Moving forward annually revising ambulance billing rates to 3 times the Medicare reimbursable rate as determined by the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).
The District welcomed our new Fire Marshal, John James, starting with the District on August 16, 2022.
Fire Marshal, Jennifer Donohue, retired from the District on October 14, 2022. The District thanked her for her contributions and 6 years of service from 2016 – 2022.
Awarded $1.7 million FEMA Regional grant for SCBA’s.
Approval to procure two Type 3 engine brush trucks as well as the cost of an ambulance remounting.

2023

Parasol Foundation grants $20,000 to fund a new software database called Fire Aside and Chipper Day that will be used to manage and streamline Defensible Space Inspections and Chipping requests.
Washoe County secured a FEMA grant to purchase a contract with Perimeter Platform, a real-time App that connects multiple data sources into one shared platform across agencies. Perimeter is also being implemented in Carson City and Douglas County.
First Due, an interface/pre-plan App was purchased for the District, enabling us to share incident information as well as pre-plans, hydrant maps, and plot plans with our neighboring fire districts. There is also a reporting component that will streamline this process.
District Battalion Chiefs formed an association, 'Tahoe Association of Chief Officers' (TACO) which is essentially an employment agreement that documents their benefits. A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Fire District and the TACO will be signed by FC Sommers effective July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024.
Awarded $80,000 FEMA grant for ZOLL AutoPulse units.
Evacuation Drill & Preparedness Fair in collaboration with Washoe County Emergency Management and Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
Citizen Lifesaver Award was presented to Madison Racich for her act of bravery on June 16th rescuing a swimmer in distress near Ski Beach. Her quick actions made a positive impact on another's life. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District offers our utmost respect and appreciation to Madison.
Battalion Chief Jeff Sambrano was awarded Rotary 'Citizen of the Year'.
Battalion Chief Carol Green retires after 24 years of service to the Fire District.
Captain Jed Horan was promoted to Battalion Chief.
Firefighter/Paramedic Jacob Fonken was promoted to Captain.
Captain Casey Quinlan was promoted to Battalion Chief.
Successfully distributed, trained, and put in service our new SCBA packs.

2024

Retirement and recognition of Battalion Chief Carol Green's 24 years of service and leadership for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.
Board of Directors Officers for 2024 elected: Susan Herron, Chair; Charley Miller Vice Chair; Denise Bremer, Treasurer.
LTRFCA is working on a basin-wide evacuation plan, coordinating with two states and seven counties.
The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) update is being updated and should be published in late spring for public comment.
Local Union #2139 raised $4000 at the Annual Paramedic Refresher last December. The funds will go to the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation.
The new SCBA's (self-contained Breathing Apparatus), purchased via the $1.7 Regional FEMA grant with Carson City Fire, East Fork Fire, Tahoe Douglas Fire, and Smith Valley Fire were placed on all first-out apparatus. Chief Barnum appreciated the exceptional teamwork and dedication demonstrated by PIO Rancourt, Captain Melkonian, Captain Ashby, Firefighter/Paramedic Kolasch, and Firefighter/Paramedic Nolan. He recognized their collective efforts in successfully managing and executing the process from start to finish.
Motion passed to donate the District's old SCBA's to Guayaquil Fire Department in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Retirement and recognition of Battalion Chief Jeff Sambrano's 26 years of service and leadership for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.
Badge pinning ceremony for Casey Quinlan promoted to Battalion Chief.
Badge pinning for our new Firefighter/Paramedics, Ben Ketron, Sebastian Ramirez, DJ Stanton, and Richard Templeman.
Motion made and passed to proceed with the purchase of a Type 1 engine for $1,204,584.00
A motion was passed to augment the encumbrance of capital project funds by an additional $44,000 to procure two Type 3's (Freightliner Chassis Brush Trucks).
Motion passed to accept the Fiscal year 2022-2023 Audit Report from Eide Bailly.
Motion passed to award Eide Bailly the Annual Audit contract for Fiscal year 2023 - 2024.
Retirement and recognition of Scott Kesler's 6 years of service as a Firefighter/Paramedic for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.
Badge pinning ceremony for Tommy Kokenge, promoted to Captain.
The First Annual Regional Silver State Women In Fire event was held on May 4th and the training exercise was held on June 29th.
ZOLL AutoPulse Units, funded by a 2023 FEMA $80,000 grant put into service.
Local Union #2139 raised $5,000 at the Annual Community Pancake Breakfast. All proceeds will be donated to The Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation.