Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., July 29, 2025 – Did you know that 95 percent of wildfires are caused by human activities? By understanding the common causes of wildfires and taking proactive steps to prevent them, we can all contribute to reducing the risk. Another way to reduce wildfire risk is to understand and follow fire restrictions and know when they are in effect so you can plan ahead. Here are some critical areas where human actions often lead to wildfires and tips on how to avoid them.

Equipment Use

Improper use of equipment can easily ignite a wildfire. Whether it’s a lawn mower, tractor, chainsaw, weed-eater, grinder, trimmer, or another power tool, taking proper precautions is essential.

Incline Village, NV — The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFD), in partnership with the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), is initiating the Worm Wildfire Fuels Mitigation Project, a two-phase effort to reduce wildfire risk and enhance community safety in the wildland-urban interface above Highway 431.

The project—named “The Worm” due to its winding, elongated shape. The project spans 142.6 acres of IVGID-owned land and is designed to create a 132-foot-wide buffer zone of intensively managed vegetation between forested areas and residential neighborhoods.

• Phase 1: Covers 64.5 acres, scheduled to begin the week of July 14, 2025, and be completed in 4 to 5 weeks.
• Phase 2: Will treat an additional 78.1 acres, with completion expected in the summer of 2026.

The primary objective is to reduce the brush component within the project area while retaining 10–15% of native brush to preserve the natural forest aesthetic and support wildlife habitat. This fuels break will serve as a critical line of defense in the event of a wildfire, improving firefighter access and reducing fire intensity near homes.

Burnbot Inc., a wildfire risk reduction company, will begin working in the designated areas of the Worm Project starting July 14. Residents may notice remotely operated mastication machines which are extremely low impact will be utilized. Please do not be alarmed—these efforts are part of a planned and carefully managed wildfire mitigation strategy.

INCLINE VILLAGE, NV – As many of you are aware, the Incline Village Fourth of July fireworks display has been cancelled following a weather-related incident involving the fireworks barge earlier today. The barge partially sank prior to the scheduled launch.

Fortunately, all fireworks located on the remaining above-water portion of the barge were safely removed before the vessel fully capsized.

At this time, there is no threat to public safety. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office remains in close coordination with the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, the Incline Village General Improvement District, and other partner agencies.

Incline Fireworks, the event organizer, has been fully briefed and is actively working with private salvage partners to recover and properly dispose of the remaining materials.

INCLINE VILLAGE, NV – The scheduled fireworks display in Incline Village has been canceled. In response, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD), Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) are actively coordinating with agency partners to ensure public safety and manage the situation.

Effective immediately, the following areas are closed until further notice:

• Ski Beach
• Incline Beach
• Incline Boat Ramp

A joint press conference will be held today, July 4, at 3:00 p.m. at the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District’s Main Fire Station, located at 875 Tanager Street, Incline Village.
Officials will provide additional information and answer questions from the media at that time.

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during this developing situation.

Lake Tahoe, NV – As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) is ramping up efforts to reduce wildfire risk across the Tahoe Basin. This summer, residents and visitors may notice specialized equipment at work in local forests—machines performing a process known as mastication, a key tool in the fight to protect communities and the environment.

Mastication is a mechanical fuel reduction method that grinds small trees, brush, and woody debris into mulch. This process helps reduce wildfire intensity by eliminating “ladder fuels”—vegetation that allows fire to climb into the forest canopy—and creating defensible space around neighborhoods, roads, and critical infrastructure.

“Technologies like Burn Bot allow us to treat more acres in less time, potentially at a lower cost,” said Ryan Sommers, Fire Chief of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. “These tools improve our efficiency and strengthen our ability to get ahead of wildfire threats.”

Mastication is especially useful in areas where prescribed burning isn’t feasible, such as near homes, recreation areas, or busy roads. It may be used on its own or alongside other treatments like thinning and prescribed fire.

Clearing the Way
How Mastication Machines Help Protect Tahoe from Wildfire

Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev., June 23, 2025 – Forest fuel reduction projects happening throughout the Tahoe Basin this year are using a tool known as mastication around communities to connect fuel treatment projects and bolster defensible space within the wildland urban interface. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) is highlighting several of these projects to educate residents and visitors about work they might be seeing in and around Lake Tahoe communities this year, and the crucial role mastication plays in helping firefighters protect people and the lake. The TFFT is a multi-agency partnership committed to reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health across the Tahoe Basin.

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, TFFT partners are using every tool available to reduce risk and protect communities. Mastication is one such tool, and it plays a key role in making forests more resilient. Mastication is a mechanical treatment that helps reduce wildfire intensity by grinding up small trees, brush, and woody debris into mulch. Specialized equipment, known as masticators, move through the forest and chip excess vegetation into chips that are spread around the treatment area as the equipment moves. Some masticators look like a compact tractor, while others are separate machines that attach to the arm of an excavator.  Masticators clear out ladder fuels – those small trees and brush that allow fire to climb into the forest canopy – and help create defensible space around neighborhoods, roads, and critical infrastructure.

Seasonal Open Burning (wood, slash, or needle piles) closed May 1, 2025.

Recreational fires (wood or charcoal fire within a non-combustible container with a 1/8” mesh screen) are still allowed with a permit. Please note however, that recreational fires are not permissible on short term rental properties.

Barbeque grilling (natural gas, propane, charcoal) is still allowed. All grilling appliances shall be used within the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations. This also includes smokers and pellet stoves.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., June 10, 2025 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team hazardous fuels reduction (forest thinning) projects are underway at Lake Tahoe and scheduled to continue through fall 2025, conditions and weather permitting. Liberty Utilities, Nevada Division of Forestry, NV Energy and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are working together to protect Lake Tahoe communities by reducing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. For project details, including land ownership, lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire, which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Forest health is a top priority of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, a landscape-scale collaboration and partnership between nearly 80 public and private organizations to achieve the environmental goals of the region. To date, partners have treated nearly 100,000 acres in Lake Tahoe Basin forests to reduce hazardous fuels.

Summer is here! While the temperatures outside are becoming warmer, the water temperature of Lake Tahoe is still on the cool side. Before you swim, test the temperature first and know your limitations.

Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, because of this the temperatures remain lower year-round than most lakes in our region. As the winter runoff melts and makes its way to the lake, the water temperatures will fluctuate. The lake temperature is currently in the high-50’s, which is considered cold water and can quickly lead to cold water shock, swim failure, and hypothermia.

Cold water shock is a real risk. An average of seven people drown in Lake Tahoe every year due to cold water shock. Cold water shock occurs when the body enters extremely cold water and the muscles lock up, resulting in temporary paralysis.

As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, often considered the unofficial start of summer, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District encourages our community and visitors to take a moment to remember the true meaning of the holiday—honoring the brave men and women of our military who made the ultimate sacrifice.

While we gather with family and friends, please make safety a priority. Whether you're hiking, grilling, or enjoying the lake, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable weekend for all.

Outdoor Recreation Safety

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., May 19, 2025 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, if conditions and weather allow. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District is scheduled to burn piles in Glenbrook and on Daggett Summit (Kingsbury Grade) beginning May 21, 2025. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to conduct an understory burn beginning Friday, May 23, on the east side of Pioneer Trail between Hekpa Drive and Columbine Trail. Smoke will be present. A Fire Information booth will be set up near Hekpa Drive during active burning with Forest Service personnel on hand to answer questions. These operations are intended to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. View the map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Follow these helpful links for more information:

• Smoke Management Tips
• Air Quality Index
• Fire and Smoke Map
• Sign Up for Prescribed Fire Notification List 

Background Information

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., May 5, 2025 – If conditions are favorable, Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team prescribed fire operations are scheduled to continue this week at Lake Tahoe. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit may burn piles in Meyers near Osgood Swamp to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present. View the map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Follow these helpful links for more information:

Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev – Lake Tahoe fire and forestry agencies are inviting the community to Get Defensive during Lake Tahoe Wildfire Preparedness Week from May 5th through 10th. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) is a partnership of local, regional, state, and federal organizations helping host a week of events around the lake to kick off a summer of wildfire preparedness.

Community members and families can meet land managers, fire personnel, and community leaders at local coffee shops, breweries, parks, and more to learn how the Tahoe Basin can work together to better prepare for wildfire.

Schedule of Events:

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., May 1, 2025 – Three months ago, the devastation of the LA wildfires unfolded as flames spread from the chaparral into the neighborhoods of Palisades and Altadena. Living in Tahoe, residents face similar risks, and a team of Lake Tahoe fire, forestry, and conservation agencies say communities here have the chance now to significantly lower the risk of another catastrophic wildfire. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) is calling on every resident and property owner in the Tahoe Basin to help them protect Lake Tahoe and has the know-how to help you Get Defensive.

Living in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) means choosing to live next to or within forested areas – beautiful, yet vulnerable. That proximity increases the threat to people and homes in the event of a major wildfire.

Local fire agencies and land managers are making major strides to reduce these risks by conducting fuels reduction projects in the wildland-urban interface, like prescribed burns and tree thinning. These projects promote forest health and help minimize the amount of flammable vegetation. The TFFT is a collaborative partnership of local, state, regional, and federal organizations leading this work. The team works together to plan, fund, and implement forest health and wildfire mitigation projects across jurisdictional boundaries, making the region more fire-resilient at a landscape scale and has treated more than 99,000 acres in the Lake Tahoe Basin to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.

But creating a resilient Tahoe is a shared responsibility – so what can residents do?

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 29, 2025 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team prescribed fire operations are scheduled to continue this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District will burn piles in Uppaway Estates at Glenbrook and near Daggett Summit on Kingsbury Grade to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. View the map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. Smoke will be present.

Follow these helpful links for more information:

Incline Village, NV - Effective May 1, 2025, Seasonal Open Burning (wood, slash, or needle piles) will be closed for Incline Village and Crystal Bay, NV.

Recreational fires (wood or charcoal fire within a non-combustible container with a 1/8” mesh screen) are still allowed with a permit.

Barbeque grilling is still allowed, with the following guidelines:

All grilling appliances shall be used within the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 22, 2025 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team has welcomed Annabelle Monti as its new Program Manager who will play a key role in elevating regional efforts to prepare the Lake Tahoe Basin for wildfire. Monti brings extensive experience in fuels and vegetation management, strategic planning, and community engagement, which makes her exceptionally well-suited for the role, according to the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team.

“We are thrilled to have Annabelle join our team,” said Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief, Scott Lindgren. “Her experience and leadership will help drive the collaborative efforts of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team forward, ensuring that Lake Tahoe remains proactive in mitigating wildfire risks and improving forest health.”

Bringing on a dedicated program manager was a top priority for the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team to help the team evolve in a changing social and ecological climate while expanding its impact. Monti’s background makes her exceptionally well-suited for the role. She spent 15 years with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in various roles focused on fuels reduction, vegetation management, strategic planning, and community engagement. Monti also brings private sector experience in vegetation management that adds to her knowledge of forest management, silviculture, forest health, and post-fire restoration. 

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                           

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 22, 2025 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team prescribed fire operations are scheduled to continue this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will burn piles off North Upper Truckee Road near Osgood Swamp to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present.

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. Sign up for notifications by sending an email to Prescribed Fire Notification List. 

Incline Village, NV — With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to spring into action and prepare for wildfire season. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will soon begin offering Defensible Space Inspections and Curbside Chipping Services for residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Online registration starts on May 5, 2025, and services will begin the week of May 12, 2025.

Visit www.nltfpd.org/curbside-chipping for full details and to submit your request.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 31, 2025 – If conditions and weather are favorable, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team will continue prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, the Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will burn piles on the East Shore and Kingsbury Grade to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present. Sign up for notifications by sending an email to Prescribed Fire Notification List. 

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Background Information

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                           

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 31, 2025 – If conditions and weather are favorable, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team will continue prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, the Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will burn piles on the East Shore and Kingsbury Grade to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present. Sign up for notifications by sending an email to Prescribed Fire Notification List. 

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 24, 2025 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team will continue prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will burn piles on the East Shore and Kingsbury Grade to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present. Sign up for notifications by sending an email to Prescribed Fire Notification List. 

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov          

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 10, 2025 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team will continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, if conditions and weather are available. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District will continue burning piles near Glenbrook and on Kingsbury Grade to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present. Please be aware that recently burned Chips 1195/196 units near South Lake Tahoe are in patrol status, which means firefighters are patrolling and mopping up any hotspots. Residual smoke may be visible.

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the Prescribed Fire Notification List, email us. 

Background Information

Contact: Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Cheyanne Neuffer 530-543-1501 x115                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 10, 2025 – The 2025 Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is now officially signed and valid, marking another significant milestone in regional wildfire preparedness for the Basin. CWPPs are community-driven plans that prioritize wildfire risk reduction, using local input and data to guide fuels reduction, improve preparedness, and address structural ignitability and wildfire response.

In 2022, the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) awarded a California Department of Conservation Regional Forest and Fire Capacity grant to the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) in coordination with the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team to complete an update of the Basin’s CWPP. With the CWPP now finalized, agencies, land managers, and communities have a strategic framework to pursue funding for implementing critical wildfire mitigation actions across the Basin.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov 

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 10, 2025 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team will continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, if conditions and weather are available. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District will continue burning piles near Glenbrook and on Kingsbury Grade to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present. Please be aware that recently burned Chips 1195/196 units near South Lake Tahoe are in patrol status, which means firefighters are patrolling and mopping up any hotspots. Residual smoke may be visible.

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the Prescribed Fire Notification List, email us. 

Background Information

As we spring forward for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 9^th – a quick reminder to set your clocks forward one hour and take a moment to check your smoke alarm batteries!

Working smoke alarms save lives, and this seasonal reminder is the perfect time to protect your home properly. Here are a few quick tips to review when checking your smoke alarms:

• 10-Year Battery Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. Replace the alarm 10 years after installation. There is a space to mark the date of installation and replacement on the inside back panel of the smoke alarm.
• If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• Replaceable Battery Smoke Alarms: Change the battery at least once a year. If it chirps, replace it right away.
• Use the right batteries: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing batteries. Using an incorrect type may cause the alarm to malfunction.

Taking a few minutes now can make a big difference later during an emergency.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 3, 2025 – If conditions and weather are favorable, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will continue burning piles on the south and east shores to reduce excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present.

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the Prescribed Fire Notification List, email us. 

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Feb. 18, 2025 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the Nevada Division of Forestry will continue burning piles on the East Shore and smoke will be present. View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the Prescribed Fire Notification List, email us. 

Please be aware that the Bliss 1010/2010 and Montreal 21 units burned over the last two weeks are currently in patrol status, which means firefighters are patrolling and mopping up any hotspots. Residual smoke may be visible. 

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of CO.

CO poisoning can occur from small exposures over time or large doses in a short period. In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents—an average of nine calls per hour.

Stay Safe with These Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov 

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Feb. 10, 2025 – If conditions and weather are favorable, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed burning this week around Lake Tahoe. North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, the Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will continue burning piles on the east, northeast and south shores. Smoke will be present. To be added to the Prescribed Fire Notification List, email us.    

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Contact: Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Martin Goldberg (530) 577-3737                    

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Feb. 11, 2025 – Lake Tahoe Basin fire chiefs and executives recently met and discussed the devastation in Southern California. These fires serve as a stark reminder of the power of wind-driven embers and their ability to ignite homes, leading to catastrophic urban conflagrations. These events underscore the urgent need to prioritize home hardening and community-wide efforts to reduce wildfire risk. CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit Assistant Chief Brian Newman, serving as the Eaton Fire Behavior Analyst, said, “The combination of strong winds and ember showers created a perfect storm, allowing fires to spread rapidly from structure to structure. Without adequate defensible space and home hardening measures in place, the risk of urban firestorms increases exponentially.”

The 21-member Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/about/) have made significant progress toward reducing wildfire risk and protecting Lake Tahoe communities and ecosystems. The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team has treated more than 75,000 acres for fuel reduction since the 2007 Angora Fire, which includes pile-burning on nearly 31,000 acres to remove dead and downed material collected by hand crews. Our homes and neighborhoods are just as important. Fire professionals have conducted more than 70,000 defensible space inspections on private properties and more than 75 neighborhoods have joined the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities. Most recently, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team updated The Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) available here at https://tahoe-basin-cwpp-trcd.hub.arcgis.com/.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                    

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Feb. 3, 2025 – If conditions and weather allow, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed burning this week around Lake Tahoe. North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts and the Nevada Division of Forestry will continue burning piles on the east and northeast shores. Smoke will be present. To be added to the Prescribed Fire Notification List, email us.   

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 21, 2025 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed burning this week around Lake Tahoe, if conditions and weather are favorable, and resources available. North Lake Tahoe, North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California Tahoe Conservancy and the Nevada Division of Forestry will continue burning piles to protect communities by reducing excess vegetation that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present. To be added to the Prescribed Fire Notification List, email us.  

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Background Information

When properly installed and maintained, smoke alarms are among the most effective tools in preventing fire-related injuries and fatalities. They provide critical early warning, allowing you and your family to evacuate quickly in the event of a fire.

“The risk of dying in a home fire is reduced by 60% when working smoke alarms are present in your home,” according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. To ensure that your home and family are well protected, follow these safety tips:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov         

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 13, 2025 – If conditions and weather are favorable and resources are available, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed burning this week around Lake Tahoe. North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California Tahoe Conservancy and the Nevada Division of Forestry will continue burning piles to protect communities by reducing excess vegetation that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present. To be added to the Prescribed Fire Notification List, email us.  

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Background Information

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                         

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 6, 2025 – If conditions and weather are favorable, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will resume prescribed burning this week on Lake Tahoe’s north and east shores. Carson City Fire Department, North Lake Tahoe, North Tahoe, and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unti will continue burning piles to protect communities by reducing excess vegetation that can feed unwanted wildfires. Smoke will be present. To be added to the Prescribed Fire Notification List, email us.  

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current Air Quality Index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the Prescribed Fire Map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov 

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 16, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) fall Prescribed Fire Program continues this week around Lake Tahoe. If conditions improve, Carson City Fire Department, North Lake Tahoe, North Tahoe, and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, and the California Tahoe Conservancy will continue burning piles through Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. Smoke will be present. Then, prescribed burning may pause during the holidays and resume in January 2025.

View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, email us.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 9, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program continues around Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. If conditions are favorable, widespread burning will resume this week. Smoke may be present. View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map . View the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire . To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, email us .

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together and enjoy the festivities.

A few simple tips will help ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                          

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 3, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program began in September and is scheduled to continue through the winter months when conditions are favorable. During this period, residents and visitors in the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas may notice smoke in the air regularly due to residential debris burning and prescribed fire operations. Both activities play an essential role in protecting our communities by reducing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed wildland fires. However, no matter how positive the benefits are, they come with a side effect that can be more than a minor inconvenience: smoke. 

Prescribed Fire

While fire has always been a natural part of the Sierra Nevada ecosystem, the structure of our current society presents unique challenges for land managers. Today, there are more people than ever living in or visiting Tahoe Basin forests. For many, smoke is the most likely way they will experience a prescribed fire, which can lead to a lot of negative emotions. No one likes to breathe smoke, and it can pose tangible health risks, especially to vulnerable populations. The good news is that exposure to smoke can be reduced by following a few simple suggestions:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 2, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program continues around Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. If conditions are favorable, widespread burning will resume this week. Smoke may be present. View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, email us.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 18, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program continues this week around Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District may burn piles around Incline Village, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District may burn piles near Glenbrook, Logan Creek and on Kingsbury Grade, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit may burn piles off Luther Pass near the campground and off Fallen Leaf and Spring Creek roads near South Lake Tahoe.

Smoke will be present and is expected to travel in a north, northeast direction. View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, email us.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

As winter approaches, preparing your home to withstand the colder months and keep you and your family safe is essential. Taking some simple steps now can prevent major inconveniences later and ensure your home is a safe, warm haven during winter.

Home Winter Preparedness Tips:

• Smoke & CO Alarms: 
  • To keep your home safe, ensure working smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Place carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level. Test both smoke and CO alarms monthly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 72) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommend replacing smoke alarms every 10 years to maintain reliability, as components degrade over time. Many state and local codes adopt this standard, so check with local authorities for specific requirements. Most newer alarms include a “replace by” date to help you stay on track.
• Emergency Planning: Identify and plan two escape routes from your home in case of emergencies.
• Clear Accessways: Keep driveways and walkways free of ice and snow to allow easy access for first responders if needed.
• Visible Address: Ensure your house number is visible from the street to help first responders locate you.
• Power Outages: Prepare for potential power outages with flashlights, battery-powered lighting, and fresh batteries.
• Portable Generators: Use generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas, away from doors, windows, and vents. Avoid using generators in wet areas, and use heavy-duty extension cords to connect appliances. Always turn off the generator before refueling to prevent fires.
• Check on Neighbors: Reach out to neighbors, especially those who may need additional assistance.
• Stay Away from Downed Wires: Report any downed wires to local authorities and avoid contact.
• Heating Precautions: If your primary heating source fails, use extra clothing and blankets to stay warm. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using emergency heat sources and keep combustibles at least three feet away.
• Portable Heaters: Always turn off portable heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Gas Meter Access: Keep your gas meter shed easily accessible and clear of snow.
• Furnace and Chimney Maintenance: Have your furnace and chimney inspected and serviced by a qualified professional. A clean chimney is essential for preventing fires caused by creosote buildup.
• Ash Disposal: Use a metal container with a cover to dispose of cooled ashes safely. Residents can apply for a free ash can through the Fire District’s Ash Can Program. For more information visit the Fire District Administration Office at 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village, or visit our website.
• Emergency Alerts: Register for emergency notifications through Washoe County at Regional Alerts or by downloading the Smart911 app.

Helpful Contact Numbers & Websites:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                           

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 12, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program continues for the next two weeks on Lake Tahoe’s eastern and southern shores, conditions and weather permitting. North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will burn piles around Incline Village, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District will burn piles near Glenbrook, Logan Creek and on Kingsbury Grade, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will burn piles off Luther Pass near the campground, near Columbine Trail off Pioneer Trail, near Fallen Leaf and Spring Creek roads.

Smoke will be present and is expected to travel in a north, northeast direction. View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, email us.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov             

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 5, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and will continue through the fall, conditions and weather permitting. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to resume masticating vegetation around the Golden Bear neighborhood this week to protect homes by reducing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. For details about this work and other active projects, including land ownership, lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Mastication, also known as forest mulching, is a mechanical process that involves using heavy equipment to chop, grind, or shred vegetation into smaller pieces. The resulting pieces are then spread out on the ground and left to naturally decompose. Mastication treatments help reduce the risk of wildfire in the wildland urban interface (WUI) by reducing ladder fuels and creating gaps between surface fuels and crown fuels to keep fire on the ground. The work in the Golden Bear area will target ground vegetation and brush, primarily manzanita and will not target any trees.

Forest health is a top priority of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), a landscape-scale collaboration and partnership between nearly 80 public and private organizations to achieve the environmental goals of the region. To date, partners have treated nearly 95,000 acres in Lake Tahoe Basin forests to reduce hazardous fuels.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                  

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 4, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program resumes this week on Lake Tahoe’s east and south shores. Conditions and weather permitting, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District will burn piles near Glenbrook and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will burn piles off Luther Pass near the campground, and off Columbine Trail near South Lake Tahoe.

Smoke will be present and is expected to travel in a north, northeast direction. View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, email us.

With the arrival of moisture, higher humidity, and winter weather conditions, effective Friday, November 1, 2024, outdoor burning is permissible in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, NV. Permits for open burning of pine needles, slash piles, construction warming fires, and recreational fire pits are available Monday through Friday, free of charge.

Please call 775-831-0351, ext. 8107 to schedule an inspection and obtain a permit.

Visit our website for more information.

  Guidelines for open burning are:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                             

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 21, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning (fuels reduction) projects are underway and scheduled to continue through fall 2024, conditions and weather permitting. North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Liberty Utilities, NV Energy and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are working together to protect Lake Tahoe communities by reducing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. For details, including land ownership, lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Forest health is a top priority of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), a landscape-scale collaboration and partnership between nearly 80 public and private organizations to achieve the environmental goals of the region. To date, partners have treated nearly 95,000 acres in Lake Tahoe Basin forests to reduce hazardous fuels.

After decades of fire suppression, Tahoe Basin’s forests are overstocked and highly vulnerable to insects, disease, and catastrophic wildfire. Forest thinning projects are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels on public lands that can feed unwanted wildfires. These projects complement defensible space and home hardening efforts on private property in neighborhoods and communities.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 15, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program continues this week on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. California State Parks will continue understory burning at Sugar Pine Point State Park, conditions and weather permitting.

Smoke from the understory burn will be present and is expected to travel in a northeast direction. View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, email us.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                  

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 7, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and scheduled to continue through this fall, conditions and weather permitting. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be masticating around the Golden Bear neighborhood this week beginning tomorrow, Oct. 8, 2024. For more details about these projects, including land ownership, lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Mastication, also known as forest mulching, is a mechanical process that involves using heavy equipment to chop, grind, or shred vegetation into smaller pieces. The resulting pieces are then spread out on the ground and left to naturally decompose. Mastication treatments help reduce the risk of wildfire in the wildland urban interface (WUI) by reducing ladder fuels and creating gaps between surface fuels and crown fuels to keep fire on the ground. The work in the Golden Bear area will target ground vegetation and brush, primarily manzanita and will not target any trees.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                    

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 7, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program continues this week on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. If conditions and weather are favorable, California State Parks will resume understory burning at Sugar Pine Point State Park.

Smoke from the understory burn will be present and is expected to travel in a northeast direction. View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, email us.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Sep. 30, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and scheduled to continue over the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. For project details, including land ownership, lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Forest health is a top priority of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), a landscape-scale collaboration and partnership between nearly 80 public and private organizations to achieve the environmental goals of the region. To date, partners have treated nearly 95,000 acres in Lake Tahoe Basin forests to reduce hazardous fuels.

After decades of fire suppression, Tahoe Basin’s forests are overstocked and highly vulnerable to insects, disease, and catastrophic wildfire. Forest thinning projects are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) on public lands that can feed unwanted wildfires. These projects complement defensible space and home hardening efforts on private property in neighborhoods and communities. Forest thinning also contributes to improved forest health, wildlife habitat, and watershed and forest resilience in the face of climate change.

Contact:  Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Cara Moore, cmoore@tahoercd.org.                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Sep. 30, 2024 - The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is pleased to announce the release of a new map that has been created to showcase fire restrictions throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. The map shows who owns the land and what type of fire is permitted. It can be found here underneath the “Prescribed Fire & Current/Upcoming Fuels Reductions” map on Tahoe Living With Fire.

“Fire restrictions have been a topic of confusion for residents and visitors alike,” said TFFT Incident Commander, Isaac Powning. “In a region defined by two states, five counties, and one city, it can be challenging to know who manages the land and what the rules are on that land. This map will help remedy that confusion.”

Fire restrictions are meticulously set by land managers and fire agencies. They dictate what kinds of BBQs, residential fires, or campfires are allowed. This map functions as a tool that will use a user’s location to connect them to the corresponding agency’s fire restrictions website.

“It’s critically important to understand the fire restrictions where you are,” said the map’s creator, Environmental Scientist at the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Cara Moore. “We are surrounded by forests in the Tahoe Basin, and we all need to do our part to follow fire restrictions to reduce wildfire risk.”

As Fire Prevention Week approaches, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reminds us of the critical role working smoke alarms play in keeping families safe from fire.

According to the NFPA, having functional smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a fire by more than half (54 percent). Unfortunately, nearly three out of five home fire fatalities occur in homes without smoke alarms or with non-functional ones.

“Working smoke alarms in the home are the first line of defense and can make a life-saving difference during a fire by giving people the time they need to get out safely,” said Fire Marshal John James of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD).

NLTFPD urges residents to follow these essential smoke alarm safety tips:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Sep. 23, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) Fall Prescribed Fire Program kicks off tomorrow, Sep. 24, 2024. If conditions and weather are favorable, California State Parks will conduct an understory burn at the entrance to Sugar Pine Point State Park on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore.

Smoke from the understory burn will be present and is expected to travel in a northeast direction. View helpful Smoke Management Tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, email us.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Sep. 23, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and scheduled to continue over the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. Some projects are expected to continue through the fall. For project details, including land ownership, lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Forest health is a top priority of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), a landscape-scale collaboration and partnership between nearly 80 public and private organizations to achieve the environmental goals of the region. To date, partners have treated nearly 95,000 acres in Lake Tahoe Basin forests to reduce hazardous fuels.

After decades of fire suppression, Tahoe Basin’s forests are overstocked and highly vulnerable to insects, disease, and catastrophic wildfire. Forest thinning projects are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) on public lands that can feed unwanted wildfires. These projects complement defensible space and home hardening efforts on private property in neighborhoods and communities. Forest thinning also contributes to improved forest health, wildlife habitat, and watershed and forest resilience in the face of climate change.

Incline Village, NV – Each September, National Preparedness Month reminds us to prioritize family and community disaster planning throughout the year. By taking these three essential steps, you can be better prepared for emergencies:

1. Make a Plan
2. Stay Informed
3. Assemble a Kit

Being prepared can help you navigate emergencies with greater ease and less stress.

1. Make a Plan

Ensure your family is well-informed about potential hazards and community response plans. Consider the following when developing your Emergency Plan:

• Identify potential disasters and know how to respond to each.
• Discuss how to handle power outages and personal injuries.
• Know two escape routes from every room in your home.
• Identify two family meeting places – one near home and one farther away.
• Post emergency telephone numbers in a central location.
• Understand evacuation procedures and how to shut off utility services.
• Plan for special needs within your household.
• Make arrangements for your pets.

2. Stay Informed

In a crisis, local public safety officials use various methods to alert the public:

Incline Village, NV – As Labor Day weekend approaches, marking the end of summer and changing of seasons, we encourage our visitors and locals to plan ahead and recreate responsibly, keeping safety first.

Summer fire restrictions are still in place around the Lake Tahoe Basin, and they differ depending on Fire District as well as state and federal lands. Find your fire district and educate yourself on the current fire restrictions in your area.

Check the weather before participating in outdoor activities. The National Weather Service (NWS) Reno issues Red Flag Warnings to alert land management officials and fire agencies when the potential of critical weather that could lead to wildfire activity.

Check out these safety tips for boaters, swimmers, hikers, and bikers to keep you safe while you recreate!

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., August 19, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and scheduled to continue for the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. Some projects are expected to continue through the fall. For project details, including land ownership, lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Forest health is a top priority of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), a landscape-scale collaboration and partnership between nearly 80 public and private organizations to achieve the environmental goals of the region. To date, partners have treated nearly 95,000 acres in Lake Tahoe Basin forests to reduce hazardous fuels.

After decades of fire suppression, Tahoe Basin’s forests are overstocked and highly vulnerable to insects, disease, and catastrophic wildfire. Forest thinning projects are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) on public lands that can feed unwanted wildfires. These projects complement defensible space and home hardening efforts on private property in neighborhoods and communities. Forest thinning also contributes to improved forest health, wildlife habitat, and watershed and forest resilience in the face of climate change.

Summer is in full gear and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District wants to help you lower the risk of wildfires in our community and, your home.

Chipping & Defensible Space Inspections:

Sign up for your FREE Defensible Space Inspection and take advantage of our Chipping Service. Both services are free! Service requests are addressed on a first-come, first-served basis so sign up today!

To sign up for a Defensible Space Inspection visit https://www.defensiblespacereport.org/northlaketahoe.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                               

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., July 23, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway in the Lake Tahoe Basin. These projects are expected to continue for the next several weeks with some projects continuing through the fall, conditions and weather permitting. For project details, including the lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Forest Thinning Projects Map at Tahoe Living With Fire which highlights current and upcoming projects.

After decades of fire suppression, Tahoe Basin’s forests are overstocked and highly vulnerable to insects, disease, and catastrophic wildfire. Forest thinning projects are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) on public lands that can feed unwanted wildfires. These projects complement defensible space and home hardening efforts on private property in neighborhoods and communities. Forest thinning also contributes to improved forest health, wildlife habitat, and watershed and forest resilience in the face of climate change.

These projects improve forest health by thinning trees in dense areas, which reduces competition for water, sunlight and nutrients and allows remaining trees to thrive. Thinning also decreases the potential for spreading tree diseases and insect infestations such as white pine blister rust, dwarf mistletoe and bark beetles.

Contact:  Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Cara Moore cmoore@tahoercd.org                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., July 15, 2024 - In collaboration with the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT), the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) is pleased to announce the Forest Vegetation Interactive Map that highlights forest restoration and fuels reduction treatment accomplishments of the TFFT and the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP). The EIP is a landscape-scale collaborative partnership between nearly 80 public and private organizations working to achieve environmental goals across the region and includes local, state, and federal government agencies, private entities, scientists, and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

The Forest Vegetation Treatment Interactive Map is a user-friendly, interactive tool available to the public that converts vegetation treatment data into interactive maps. Map layers include data for treatments including biomass removal, chipping and masticating, forest thinning and prescribed fire.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is excited to be a part of the First Annual Silver State Women in Fire Female Firefighter Training Day, just two days away!

We invite our media partners to join us on Saturday, June 29th, at Carson City Fire Station 52 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for an exciting and informative event designed to give females that are interested in learning about the fire service, an in-depth perspective with hands-on training learning the ropes alongside men and women from 11 Northern Nevada agencies. Talk with participants, trainers, and organizers to see firsthand how these women are igniting their passion for a career in the fire service.

This free event, for women 17 years of age and older, is structured like a day in a fire suppression academy.

The training day includes physical fitness exercises, hands-on training, and classroom presentations. Participants will have the opportunity for a Q&A session with current and retired female firefighters, providing invaluable insights and inspiration.

Contact:  North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Tia Rancourt trancourt@nltfpd.net                     

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., June 28, 2024 – Summer is in full swing and so are fire restrictions in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Please “Know Before You Go” and check the fire restriction status in your area. Visit Tahoe Living With Fire to learn more and contact your local fire district for the specific fire restrictions in your area. For National Forest or State Park fire restrictions, please visit the USDA Forest Service Fire Restriction webpage or check with the respective California or Nevada state park as they can differ from local fire district restrictions.

“It only takes one thoughtless BBQ or tiki torch to potentially cause a catastrophic wildfire,” said North Tahoe Fire Protection District Chief, Ryan Sommers. “Take time to understand what the fire restrictions are where you are living or recreating so that you aren’t the cause.”

Contact: Jamie Roice-Gomes, University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Living With Fire Program 775-336-0261, Jamier@unr.edu

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jun. 27, 2024 – As we move into summer and the vegetation dries out, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team would like the public to remember the importance of creating and maintaining defensible space. University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Living With Fire Program published a new Living With Fire Defensible Space Guide to help teach residents how to do it.

“Defensible space reduces the wildfire threat upon a home and creates a space for firefighters to safely defend the home,” said Jamie Roice-Gomes, manager of the University of Nevada Reno Extension’s Living With Fire Program. “This guide is meant to help individuals living in the rangeland and forestland ecosystems to create defensible space.”

Seasonal Open Burning (wood, slash, or needle piles) closed May 31, 2024.

Recreational fires (wood or charcoal fire within a non-combustible container with a 1/8” mesh screen) are still allowed with a permit. Please note, however, that recreational fires are not permissible on short-term rental properties.

Barbeque grilling (natural gas, propane, charcoal) is still allowed. All grilling appliances shall be used within the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations. This also includes smokers and pellet stoves.

Summer is here! While the temperatures outside are toasty, the water temperature of Lake Tahoe is still on the cool side. Before you take a plunge, test the temperature first and know your limitations. The lake temperature is currently in the mid-60s, which is considered cold water and can quickly lead to cold water shock, swim failure, and hypothermia. For current water temperature and lake conditions, visit  Tahoe Environmental Research Center. As the winter runoff melts and makes its way to the lake, the water temperatures will fluctuate. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, because of this the temperatures remain lower year-round than most lakes in our region.

Whether boating, jet skiing, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding, or swimming, it’s a good idea to inform yourself about the colder temperatures of Lake Tahoe including rules and regulations, and safety tips. Visit NDOW for more information on boating rules and regulations and Take Care Tahoe for cold water safety tips.

Also, check the wind conditions and red flag warning status. You can find this information at the US National Weather Service Reno.

We respond to numerous water emergencies on the lake during the summer and throughout the year. Please consider the following safety precautions before recreating on Lake Tahoe:

BOAT SAFE: PREPARE FOR COLD WATER AT LAKE TAHOE

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., June 6, 2024 – In coordination with the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT), the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), is scheduled to conduct an understory prescribed fire on approximately 46 acres near South Lake Tahoe beginning Sun., June 9, 2024, and continuing through Tue., June 11. The burn will take place only if conditions and weather are favorable and is located on the southeast side of Pioneer Trail between Susquehana Drive and Golden Bear Trail. For more details, view the prescribed fire map at Tahoe Living With Fire. Ignitions typically begin at 10 a.m. and smoke will be present. To reduce smoke impacts, view helpful smoke management tips and monitor air quality at AirNow.gov and Fire/Smoke Map. A Fire Information booth will be set up on Pioneer Trail Sunday and Monday with LTBMU Fire Prevention staff available to answer questions. 

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., June 4, 2024 – If conditions and weather are favorable, Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) member, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), is scheduled to conduct understory burning on approximately 46 acres off Pioneer Trail near South Lake Tahoe between June 9 and June 24, 2024. A Fire Information booth will be set up on Pioneer Trail near Jicarilla Drive during active burning and LTBMU Fire Prevention staff will be available to answer questions. Ignitions typically begin at 10 a.m. and smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Effective May 31, 2024, Seasonal Open Burning (wood, slash, or needle piles) will be closed for Incline Village and Crystal Bay, NV.

Recreational fires (wood or charcoal fire within a non-combustible container with a 1/8” mesh screen) are still allowed with a permit.

Barbeque grilling is still allowed, with the following guidelines:

All grilling appliances shall be used within the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.

Memorial Weekend is often seen as the unofficial start to summer and a long weekend for many, but the day is about more than socializing with friends and family, it commemorates our fallen military personnel who so bravely gave their lives. Recognizing the gift of freedom as we gather with friends and family over this special weekend, please celebrate safely and take a moment to review these safety tips:

• If you plan on hiking, biking, and using the trail systems around the Lake Tahoe basin, there are many options, please visit Tahoe Rim Trail Association/Maps & Trail Information for current conditions and trail information.
• Most National Forest beaches and campgrounds at Lake Tahoe open mid-May, but some backcountry campgrounds may still be closed, check opening dates on USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit current recreation conditions.
• Wear clothing that you can layer to keep you warm and dry.
• If you plan to enjoy any water activities, whether “in”, “on”, or “around” the water, educate yourself about the colder temperatures of Lake Tahoe and be safe.
  • Know Before You Go – check the weather and water temperature.
  • Plan and Prepare – life jackets save lives, make sure they are available. Bring essential gear for boating.
  • Respect the water and mother nature – know the water conditions, obey posted safety signs, and always tell someone your plan when headed out into the water.
  • Learn how to respond, call 911 and get help if someone else is in trouble. Do not go in the water. To assist others: Reach, Throw, Don’t Go. If you are in trouble: Flip, Float, Relax.
• Recreate responsibly and Leave No Trace.

There are currently no summer fire restrictions in place for Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada.

Winter fire restrictions are still in effect which allows for solid fuel (wood and charcoal) grilling, with the following guidelines:

All grilling appliances shall be used within the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations. Follow these simple safety tips when using solid-fuel, charcoal, or propane grills.

Celebrated nationally during the third week of May, this special week acknowledges the outstanding services performed by our first responders nationwide “The 50^th Anniversary theme this year honors and celebrates our first responders by building awareness of vital EMS services in our community,” said Russ Barnum, Assistant Fire Chief, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD). “The commitment and support over the years by our EMS providers has led us to where we are today and will lead us into the future as we continue to grow with the dynamic needs of our community.”  

This 50^th annual event brings together local communities and medical personnel acknowledging our first responders not just during this week, but every day as they rise to the challenge of every call. NLTFPD first responders provide critical care 24/7 to our community.

Whether in populated cities, small villages or less populated rural areas, these individuals answer the 911 call no matter what or where the circumstances.

Summer is here and the snow is melting. Prepare for wildfire season and sign up for defensible space evaluations and curbside chipping services. For more information on these services and to register online, visit www.nltfpd.org.

For curbside yard debris collection dates and information, visit https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/events/yard-waste-collection

Defensible Space Evaluation requests will be contacted within two weeks to schedule an evaluation date. Chipping requests are taken as they are received and completed as crews are available, keeping in mind they respond to wildfires and may not be able to get to your chipping pile right away.

Please provide all requested information on the online form to the best of your knowledge, so we can maintain these free services.

Contact: Jamie Roice-Gomes, University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Living With Fire Program, 775-336-0261 or jamier@unr.edu

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – This May marks the start of Wildfire Awareness Month, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team announced today. The collaboration is leveling up the region’s wildfire preparedness efforts by kicking off the Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Campaign. The campaign includes many events and will run from May through October, highlighting the message: “Get Defensive – Create Defensible Space.”

“This year’s theme is a fun way to say that the best offense is a strong defense and to be proactive when it comes to maintaining a home that has proper defensible space,” says Tia Rancourt, public information officer for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 29, 2024 – If conditions and weather are favorable, Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) member, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, may burn piles this week at Lake Tahoe. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                     

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 29, 2024 – As we move into the warm season, it’s time to start thinking about defensible space and home hardening. The choice Tahoe residents make to live in the forest surrounding beautiful Lake Tahoe comes with added responsibility. This responsibility includes minimizing the risk of wildfire from embers landing on or around your home or property. Research suggests that 60-90 percent of home ignitions are due to embers falling on something combustible such as pine needles, leaves, juniper bushes, and/or patio furniture. Once ignited, ember fires eagerly search for nearby combustible material (fuels) and once found produce more embers, creating a destructive cycle. 

Wildfire risk is reduced in areas where defensible space and home hardening tasks are completed. Whether it is a wildland fire or a nearby structure fire, embers are the problem. Fire embers are weightless and easily carried by the wind, which allows them to land on combustible material, creating new fire ignitions. Embers can sometimes travel a mile or more away from the flame front. This is the most common cause of structure ignition during wildland fire events. 

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 22, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the USDA Forest Service, may burn piles this week at Lake Tahoe if conditions and weather are favorable. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map, and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District – C100, B11, E11, E12, M12, E13, responded to a vehicle on fire in the garage of a residence on Winding Way at approximately 1:13 p.m. this afternoon.

The resident was safely evacuated, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Thank you to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and NV Energy for your response and support.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will be hosting a Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the main fire station located at 875 Tanager Street.

Donate for Moms by giving blood on Tuesday, May 7th.

Food and beverages will be provided courtesy of the Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa & Casino, and Mofo's Pizza.

To make an appointment:

With the change of seasons officially here, it is a good reminder to start thinking about outdoor springtime clean-up (that is of course between snowstorms and shoveling your fire hydrant!). During this transitional season change, we can anticipate getting ready for fire season and creating our defensible space. This also includes making sure you have a preparedness kit or go bag ready, and for Washoe County residents, that you are signed up for CodeRED Emergency Alert notifications.

Embrace Village-wide Fire Safety! Secure a Free Defensible Space Inspection Today!

Join hands with the Fire Department to safeguard our community against wildfires. Sign up for your complimentary Defensible Space Inspection, complete with a comprehensive report and photographs. Let's work together to enhance our understanding of wildfire prevention. Schedule your inspection here. Also, for our free chipping service, please visit here. Please note that both Defensible Space Inspection and Chipping requests for the 2024 season will start May 6, 2024.

It is National Donate Life Month, and we are honored to support Nevada Donor Network’s mission to save and heal lives through donation by participating in the 2024 Silver State Heroes Challenge along with first responder agencies across the state.

More than 100,000 people nationwide are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, including nearly 700 Nevadans. Will you help us bring hope to these 700 Nevadans who are waiting for their second chance through organ donation? Not registered?

Register here: www.nvdonor.org/nltfd.

Together, we have the power to save and heal lives.

Thanks to a $1.7 million grant from FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, Carson City, Tahoe Douglas, East Fork, Smith Valley, and North Lake Tahoe Fire Districts all have new, state-of-the-art Scott X3 PRO self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

These SCBAs, essential for protecting firefighters in hazardous environments, were nearing the end of their lifespan. The new Scott X3 PRO models offer the latest safety features, ensuring better protection for our firefighters who risk their lives for our communities.

This grant, administered by the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD), fostered regional cooperation, with all five fire departments now using the same equipment, enabling seamless collaboration, communication, and interoperability during joint operations across county lines.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District thanks FEMA and the participating fire departments for collaborating over the last 17 months in securing and implementing this grant.

“Big thanks go to FEMA and all the participating fire districts for making this vital upgrade possible. Regional cooperation is key, and this project is a shining example of that principle in action,” said NLTFPD Fire Chief Ryan Sommers.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 1, 2024 – Conditions and weather permitting, Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) member, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, will continue burning piles on Lake Tahoe’s eastern shore this week. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 18, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members, the Nevada Division of Forestry and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, will resume burning piles on the East Shore this week, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 11, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) member, the Nevada Division of Forestry, will resume burning piles at Spooner Lake this week, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

US National Weather Service Reno has issued a Blizzard Warning in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday, February 29 through 10 a.m. Sunday, March 3, 2024 for the greater Lake Tahoe area.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle.

Additionally, the Sierra Avalanche Center has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Watch in effect from 7 a.m. Friday, March 1 through 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2024 for high to extreme avalanche danger for the Greater Lake Tahoe area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Feb. 26, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, and the Nevada Division of Forestry will conduct prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

It is not just about wearing red. It is about taking action to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US. The American Heart Association has resources to help you live a healthier life, eat better, and stay active. Visit their website for valuable tips www.heart.org.

Knowing CPR could mean the difference between life and death for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) offers monthly CPR classes to empower you to save lives. Sign up today at www.nltfpd.org. Be the "link in the chain of survival"!

You can also download the PulsePoint app. This innovative 911-connected app informs you of nearby emergencies and empowers you to help. When someone close by needs CPR, PulsePoint alerts you and guides you to their location. With over 1300 active users in our community, you can follow us, stay connected, and if CPR is needed, lend a hand, “Get the app. Save a life.”

As the first Heart Safe Community since 2014 in the state of Nevada, we celebrate our community and continue striving to provide the best possible care to our community members.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Feb. 12, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Division of Forestry, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will conduct prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe as conditions and weather allow. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will be holding a Public Auction for these two vehicles starting on Monday Feb. 12^th at 0800 and ending on Friday Feb. 16^th at 1600.

Please email your highest bid for each vehicle of interest to surplusequipment@nltfpd.net within the bidding window.

On Friday Feb. 16^th at 1600 we will collect the bids and notify you if you are the highest bidder for a particular vehicle. *Bidding starts at reserve price in the Ad Listing*

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                            

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 29, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will continue burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – The Tahoe Resource Conservation District, a member of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, is encouraging homeowners and residents at Lake Tahoe to participate in the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Community program in 2024. The initiative focuses on creating Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) through a multifaceted approach that includes physical measures like home hardening and defensible space, as well as prevention, planning and education.

“Creating a Fire Adapted Community with your neighbors empowers property owners to play a role in changing the narrative around preventing property loss and increasing safety,” said Leona Allen, Fire Adapted Community and Firewise Leader. “The process allows neighbors to enhance the health of their environment, protect our neighborhoods, and build stronger community bonds.”

As a resident within the Lake Tahoe Basin, safeguarding your home against potential fire hazards is crucial. The FAC program, facilitated by the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), operates on a neighborhood scale, coordinating efforts to prepare people and property for wildfire. The TFFT improves forest health and our community’s safety by implementing priority fuel reduction projects such as thinning trees and conducting prescribed burns throughout the region.

“This work to protect communities cannot be completed by local agencies and fire districts alone. Significant community engagement and volunteerism is crucial within Fire Adapted Communities,” said Michelle McLean, Outreach Coordinator, Tahoe RCD.

Neighborhood Leaders play a pivotal role in FAC, rallying their neighbors to work together in preparing for wildfire. Their activities include;

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 16, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members including North Lake Tahoe, North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

With the recent snowfall and more on the way, it is a good reminder to be aware of avalanche potential and educate yourself on pre-emptive steps to take before going outside to recreate.

In our community, we have two historical avalanche zones, one in Third Creek drainage (terrain above upper Jennifer St., Sutro, Bidwell, Lunar, and Mercury Courts) and one in Crystal Bay (terrain above Lakeview Ave., Tuscarora Rd., and Teresa Court). But avalanches can occur anywhere when the right conditions exist.

When avalanche conditions warrant an alert notification, residents can expect a notification from Washoe County Emergency Management via a reverse telephone notification called Code Red. To receive these notifications (and other alert notifications), register at Washoe County Alerts & Warnings.

Do not travel in the backcountry unless:

• You know where and why avalanches occur.
• You have checked the avalanche forecast in our region. Visit the Sierra Avalanche Center.
• You carry rescue gear and know how to use it.
• You have learned to recognize the five red flags of an avalanche.
• At the very least, take an avalanche awareness course. Seriously consider taking an avalanche rescue course. Local education providers can be found here.
• For avalanche information for our region, visit Washoe County Advisories – Avalanche.

Remember, the best tip is to “Know Before You Go,” the avalanche danger rating is only a starting point. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel. See this clip from our recent interview with KPIX-TV CBS affiliate in San Francisco. 

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 8, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including North Lake Tahoe, North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will continue burning slash piles this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Are you ready for the New Year? What are some things you can do to be more prepared for what life may bring?

Things like:

Alert Notifications – are you registered?

Knowing that you are prepared for an emergency can help you and your family stay calm, act effectively, and save lives. Work together. Learn about risks. Communicate. Stay informed and register for alert notifications in your county. Also prepare an emergency kit and make an evacuation plan.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 2, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including North Lake Tahoe and North Tahoe fire protection districts and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will resume prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together and enjoy the season’s festivities.

Following a few simple tips will help to ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires:

• Keep trees watered and away from all heat sources including fireplaces, stoves, and room/space heaters.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”
• When the tree becomes dry, promptly discard it. Please consider using the Free Holiday Tree Recycling This service will be available from December 22^nd through January 29^th, 2023.
• Please note – the new location for tree drop-off is the overflow parking lot across from Incline Beach.

Visit www.yourtahoeplace.com/publicworks or call 775-832-1203.

Contact: Jeff Cowen, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

jcowen@trpa.gov  (775) 589-5278 

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – Tahoe’s trees are now draped in snow, and wildfire is not top of mind for most people. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), however, is taking action year-round to protect lives, property, and the environment within the Lake Tahoe Basin from wildfire. This collaborative group was formed in 2008 and includes 21 federal, tribal, state, and local conservation, land management, and fire agencies.

“One of the most important ways that we improve forest health and our community’s safety is by implementing priority fuel reduction projects such as thinning trees and conducting prescribed burns,” says North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection Division Chief Isaac Powning, Incident Commander of the TFFT.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 11, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will continue prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 5, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue widespread prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. Please keep in mind the following units are on hold or complete and in patrol status, which means firefighters are patrolling and mopping up to reduce smoke impacts to communities: Sherlock, Diamond Peak, Lily Lake 1001, Fallen Leaf Units 172/116, and Toads 34.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil, and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

As the temperature drops outside and we think about using our fireplaces and heating stoves, it is important to remember some safety tips and precautions. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment and improper ash disposal are leading causes of home fires during the fall and winter months.

Be warm and safe this season and consider following these safety tips:

• Have heating equipment, chimney, and stove inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep every fall just before the heating season.
• Allow ashes to COOL before disposing of them. Four days or 96 hours is the minimum recommended cooling period for ashes.
• Place completely cooled ashes in a covered metal container. Keep the container at least 10 feet away from the home and other buildings. They should NEVER be disposed of in a plastic garbage box or can, a cardboard box, or paper grocery bag. Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes.
• The metal container should be placed away from anything flammable. It should not be placed next to a firewood pile, up against or in the garage, on or under a wood deck, or under a porch.
• After sitting for a week in the metal container, check them again to be sure that they are cool. If so, the ashes are safe to dispose of in your trash.
• As a safety precaution keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or any other heating appliance, and create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires. It is important to ensure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying, and never leave a fire unattended, particularly when children are present.

It is important to ensure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying, and never leave a fire unattended, particularly when children are present.

To obtain a free ash can, Incline Village/Crystal Bay, NV residents may fill out an application.  If the required criteria are met, an ash can will be provided. Inside each ash can, residents will find the instructional flyer on how to properly dispose of fireplace ashes. Ash cans will be provided to qualifying residents on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Fire has been a natural part of the Lake Tahoe landscape for thousands of years. These fires were low-intensity, frequent, and created an open forest canopy that supported forest health and a balanced eco system. Prior to 1870 and the European-American settlement, much of the Lake Tahoe Basin burned on average every 5 to 18 years. Things changed drastically when intense logging during the Comstock era in the late 1800s clear cut the entire Lake Tahoe Basin and left the forest decimated. While the forests grew back over the next 100 years, they grew in an unnaturally thick and even-aged state and by 2007, Tahoe’s forests were in a state of emergency. Years of fire suppression, hazardous fuels accumulation, drought, and a warming climate have made Lake Tahoe’s forests extremely vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire.

Additionally, homes and communities have been inserted into Tahoe’s wildfire fuel landscape, furthering the complexity of the situation.

So why do we conduct prescribed fire operations? In short, to pick up where we interrupted mother nature in the1800s. We have a lot of ground to cover from suppressing the natural frequent fires that occurred thousands of years ago, but we have learned that mother nature knows best, and this is the best way to effectively reduce the threat of catastrophic, high intensity fires that now threaten our landscape. We also use other methodologies in tandem with prescribed fire such as manual thinning, logging, and mastication when possible.

In 2007, one of the most destructive fires in Tahoe’s history, the Angora Fire, destroyed 254 homes and structures within hours. Stoked by strong winds and overgrown forests with hazardous fuels, this fire burned 3,100 acres before being fully contained. This fire was the impetus to the Emergency Bi-State Fire Commission being formed. Collaborative efforts with federal, state and local stakeholders, the first Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy was created as a guiding document to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire and protect the social and ecological values in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This new ten year ‘strategy’ was essentially a compilation of the Community Wildfire Protection Plans from the local Tahoe Basin fire districts, the Wildland Urban Interface Plan, and the 2007 USFS Fireshed Assessment.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov             

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 13, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Recent precipitation and low temperatures have provided ideal conditions and opportunities for firefighters to burn in multiple locations. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. View smoke management tips and current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. EPA/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, send us an email. California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are scheduled to continue burning this week in numerous locations. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Forest Service firefighters completed burning piles on 160 acres near Watson Creek on the North Shore that will help prevent future severe wildfires near those communities. No further ignitions will take place in those areas, and we anticipate significant air quality improvement over the next several days due to a predicted trend of winds moving back into the area.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

As the colder temperatures and precipitation approach, it is time to prepare to winterize your surroundings and vehicles to stay safe and comfortable.

Here is a checklist to ensure you are well-prepared for the winter season:

Home Preparedness Tips:

• Test smoke alarms/carbon monoxide (CO) alarms regularly in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
• Keep flashlights, battery-powered lighting, and fresh batteries on hand.
• Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Schedule a professional inspection and servicing for your furnace.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional to prevent chimney fires.
• Look out for your neighbors and offer assistance to those who may require help.
• Remind children to avoid downed wires and report them to the authorities.
• Keep a covered metal container for the disposal of cooled ashes. Residents may request a free ash can by filling out an application available at the Fire District Administration Office, 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village. Visit our website for more information on our Ash Can program.

Travel Tips:

• Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including a blanket, change of clothes, flashlight, food, and water.
• Ensure your cell phone is charged and carry it with you.
• Have an ice scraper and snow brush on hand.
• Maintain a full gas tank for emergency situations.
• Check weather updates from the national weather service, state department of transportation, or local media before traveling.

Helpful Contact Phone Numbers/Websites:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 23, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue fall prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. California State Parks is scheduled to continue understory burning at Burton Creek and Sugar Pine Point state parks. California Tahoe Conservancy/Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District are scheduled to begin burning piles near Crystal Bay. North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is scheduled to continue understory burning near Incline Village. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to continue burning piles on Angora Ridge near Fallen Leaf Lake. Smoke will be present. For the current air quality index, visit AirNow and view the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

We would like to thank our community for attending our Emergency Preparedness & Evacuation Forum on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. We appreciate your time and support.

If you were unable to attend in person or remotely, please click HERE for meeting recap.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                               

October 18, 2023         

Meghin Delaney, Media Relations Manager 

Meghin.delaney@nvenergy.com 

The last day to request chipping and defensible space inspections for the 2023 season is October 29, 2023. To make your online request visit nltfpd.org.

To service all remaining requests for defensible space inspections and chipping in a timely manner and prior to potential inclement weather approaching, the last day to request chipping and defensible space inspections is Sunday, October 29, 2023. However, the Fire District will continue defensible space inspections for construction projects as weather permits. The October 29th closing deadline will allow the Fire District time to complete the last requests for the 2023 season.

For chipping requests, please remember that the pile must be curbside and not exceed 20 feet in length, 6 feet in height, and 6 feet in width. Branch diameter cannot exceed 6 inches, and no stumps, roots, garbage, nails, or finished lumber.

To date, the Fire District has completed 651 defensible space inspections and 194 chipping requests resulting in 864 cubic yards of biomass for the 2023 season.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 16, 2023 – If conditions and weather are favorable for burning, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue fall prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks at Lake Tahoe. California State Parks is scheduled to continue understory burning through the week at Burton Creek State Park beginning Oct. 17, 2023, and Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 at Sugar Pine Point State Park. North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is scheduled to begin understory burning on Oct. 23, through Oct. 30. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to continue burning piles near Fallen Leaf Lake Road, Tahoe Mountain Road, Meyers, and Camp Richardson through Oct. 20. Smoke will be present. For the current air quality index, visit AirNow and view the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

The Fire Prevention Week theme this year “Cooking Safety Starts with You. Pay Attention to Fire Prevention.,” is a good reminder for all of us to practice fire safety when cooking” said Fire Marshal John James, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD).

NLTFPD offers these key safety tips:

1. Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking and set a timer if needed.
2. Turn pot handles to the side or back of the stove to avoid unnecessary spills and potentially, burns from hot food. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn the burner off.
3. Have a “kid and pet free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared.

NLTFPD will be hosting station tours for our elementary school students this month focusing on cooking and home fire safety.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or lisa.herron@usda.gov                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 10, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue fall prescribed fire operations this week, conditions and weather permitting. California State Parks is scheduled to continue understory burning through Oct. 20, 2023, in Burton Creek and Sugar Pine Point state parks and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit may continue burning piles on Angora Ridge near Fallen Leaf Lake and on Echo Summit near Echo Lakes through Oct. 13. Smoke will be present. For the current air quality index, visit AirNow and view the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

With the arrival of moisture, higher humidity, and winter weather conditions; effective Monday, October 9, 2023, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has lifted the suspension of the use of solid-fuel and charcoal barbeques that has been in place in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada.

In addition, effective October 9, 2023, outdoor burning is permissible. Permits for open burning of pine needles, slash piles, construction warming fires, and recreational fire pits are available Monday through Friday, free of charge. Please call 775-831-0351, ext. 8107 to schedule an inspection and obtain a permit. Visit our website for more information.

Guidelines for open burning are: