tahoe fire

LTCC Fire Academy and Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue graduate new firefighters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College's Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy just graduated its 14th class of firefighters. There were added challenges due to the coronavirus and restrictions on classroom instruction, but with the flexibility of instructors, the state, and the college, the Fire Academy was one of the lucky programs that was able to complete training this year.

Almost all of the following graduating cadets are already employed:

Adam C. Alessi
Melanie O. Andersen
Cody L. Beggs

South Lake Tahoe home gets struck by lightning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, a strong cell moved over Meyers and South Lake Tahoe bringing warnings of frequent lightning, heavy rain, half dollar sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

During the system a bolt of lightning struck a home on Inverness Drive in the Tahoe Keys.

Simultaneously, alarms went off at South Tahoe Middle School and in a condo on Ala Wai Blvd.

One-percent sales tax increase for South Lake Tahoe to be added to the November ballot

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council approved unanimously at their meeting Tuesday to send what is being called the "South Lake Tahoe Fire Protection, Emergency Response, City Services Measure" to the ballot in November.

If voters approve the measure, a one-percent sales tax increase will be added in the City of South Lake Tahoe to all taxable purchases to meet funding shortfalls, according to the City.

Al Tahoe neighborhood Firewise USA® meeting moved to digital format

Event Date: 
July 16, 2020 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Al Tahoe neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe has begun the process of becoming a nationally recognized and certified Firewise USA® community with the support of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and under the guidance of the National Fire Protection Association.

There is only one other neighborhood, Golden Bear (Lower Montgomery Estates), that is under the Firewise USA® program in the Lake Tahoe Basin though several areas outside the basin in El Dorado and Placer counties are participating.

Column: Wildfire threat still looms

If the 4th of July weekend is any indication, Tahoe is under pressure. As coronavirus cases grow nearly everywhere, people naturally look to the mountains, fresh air, and clear water of Tahoe as a respite. Now residents and visitors alike are struggling to adjust to the confusion around re-opening, and visitation that is normally our lifeblood is suddenly a health risk.

South Lake Tahoe celebrates Charles Barkley Day at American Century Championship

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - During the 2007 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe, there was the tragic devastation of the Angora Fire viewable from the tee box at No. 17. Just a few days before the fire ripped through neighborhoods, destroying 242 homes and burning 3,100 acres.

"The town rolls out the red carpet for us every year and we can't just come there and play," said former NBA great Charles Barkley of his thoughts in 2007.

Fight Fire With a Plan campaign for Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Month

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is promoting Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Month during July. This year’s theme is “Fight fire with a plan” to encourage residents and visitors to prepare their family, property and possessions now before a wildfire starts by creating a plan.

Some ways to plan include:

Develop a family evacuation plan.
Assemble a Go-bag and a disaster supply kit for your home and vehicle.
Create and maintain defensible space around homes.
Sign up for emergency notifications for residents and visitors and stay informed.

Al Tahoe neighborhood meeting about becoming a Firewise USA® community

Event Date: 
June 16, 2020 - 5:00pm

7.14.20 UPDATE: The City Council voted to cancel or postpone all events on City project due to the new restrictions related to Covid-19. As a result, this event will a virtual meeting starting at 5:00 p.m. on Zoom. No in-person event will take place.

To join the Zoom meeting -
https://zoom.us/j/94670877324?pwd=bDNyM21VT0ptUnpRaGFpM3Z0NG5PZz09
Meeting ID: 946 7087 7324
Password: 426727
Dial by your location - 1.669.900.6833

Crews working on two lightning caused fires at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe and the Sierra had a lot of lightning and thunder Tuesday afternoon, leading to a few fire starts in the area. The Alert Tahoe Fire Camera system was active with fire officials able to zoom in on possible problem areas.

South Lake Tahoe police and fire rescue ducklings from storm drain

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It wasn't your normal, every day type of call for service that the South Lake Tahoe Police Departments (SLTPD) and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded to on Monday night, but it was one of the happier ones.

On June 22, SLTPD officers were notified of some ducklings who were stuck in a storm drain and they called SLTFR Engine 1 for assistance in getting the eight ducklings out. All were removed from the drain and transported to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC).

Summer fire restrictions around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire season is upon us and many restrictions are now in effect where outdoor burning, campfires, and fire pits are concerned. 2020 started out with the driest February on record since the 1850s, and there is an increased fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region.

It is important to understand that with all of the different fire areas around Lake Tahoe, there are different rules.

Fire at Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple agencies responded to a report of a wildfire at Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe Friday afternoon about 5:00 p.m.

They were able to jump on the fire quickly, leaving less than 1/4 acre burned.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit and the U.S. Forest Service all responded.

Firefighters have completed a hose lay and hand line around the fire and will remain on the scene to mop it up.

The cause is under investigation.

South Lake Tahoe rallies and march to demonstrate solidarity with Black Lives Matter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are two community-wide events in South Lake Tahoe Friday, June 12 to join voices around the world to eradicate racism, educate and peacefully protest.

Lakeview Commons - 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m

South Lake Tahoe Police HOT team addressing homeless concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Members of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) now make up the city's Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), giving them the ability to help change homelessness through relationship building and ongoing collaborative efforts while protecting the whole community.

Three-car collision in South Lake Tahoe sends one to hospital and one to jail

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a three-car collision in South Lake Tahoe Monday evening.

At approximately 7:09 p.m. June 8, South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded to the call of a crash on Lake Tahoe Boulevard near Fremont Avenue.

Homeless man severely burned in South Lake Tahoe fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A homeless man suffered burns over 50 percent of his body after he fell asleep next to a warming/cooking fire in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday.

On June 4 at approximately 3:42 p.m., South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to a call of a fire between Smart & Final and Christian Science Church on Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

The unidentified man was airlifted to the burn unit at UC Davis. His current condition is unknown at this time.

Kudos: Thank you South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue!

On Thursday afternoon about 4:30 p.m. a fire crew from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded to a brush fire at the Christian Science Church near Smart & Final. The crew managed to contain and extinguish the blaze and the church building sustained only minimal damage.

A shopping cart was found near what appeared to be the fire origin and contained what appeared to be personal property. The exact cause of the blaze is unknown but illegal campers have been a continuing problem in that area.

Two men rescued from Lake Tahoe after their kayaks capsize

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two men were pulled from the chilly waters of Lake Tahoe after their kayaks capsized late Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on June 6, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue's Marine 17 was dispatched to the water off of Baldwin Beach for possible kayakers in distress. One of the kayakers was able to make a call and the GPS coordinates put the two men several hundred yards off the shore between Baldwin Beach and Emerald Bay.

Prescribed understory burn in Sugar Pine Point State Park starts June 1

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – California State Parks will conduct an understory burn on four acres in Sugar Pine Point State Park beginning Monday, June 1, weather permitting.

Smoke may be visible.

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team lists all current burn projects on their website at https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/get-informed/. The one next week at Sugar Pine is the only one currently scheduled.

Fatal accident at South Lake Tahoe construction site

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A subcontractor working at the site of a new Verizon cell tower near South Tahoe Public Utility District died Thursday after falling headfirst into a 35-foot by six-foot hole.

Man dies after hitting multiple vehicles in South Lake Tahoe

5/22 update 11:00 a.m. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) has released a few more details about Thursday's death of a local man.

Fire quickly put out near Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What appears to have been a cooking fire that got away in the forest near Van Sickle Bi-State Park on Saturday brought out a full response from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue with assistance from Tahoe Douglas Fire, Lake Valley Fire, Cal Fire, and the U.S. Forest Service.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Jay Manning was driving on Lake Tahoe Boulevard near Stateline when he noticed smoke from the park just after 12:30 p.m. on May 16. At that same time, a ranger from the park called into 911 to report a fire.

Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities Weekly Tip #8: Create Defensible Space

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities is presenting their eighth "Tip of the Week," an ongoing series for the public since they are unable to perform their normal community outreach services. All tips are ways people can prepare for wildfire while staying at home. They will be providing a total of ten tips.

Tip #8: Create Defensible Space

Man transported via CalStar after Saturday morning crash in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 32-year-old man was transported to Renown Medical Center in Reno early Saturday morning after his vehicle crashed into a tree near the intersection of San Jose Avenue and Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

Kudos: Virtual Bliss Assembly raises $570 for Tahoe Magic

LAKE TAHOE – The Tahoe Bliss Experiences®, together with local small business owners, produced the Virtual Bliss Assembly April 22-25 and raised $570 for Tahoe Magic during the event that included four days of live, online experiences that focused on ways in which each of us can remain mindful, fit, healthy, and aware while remaining safe at home.

Celebrating a birthday COVID-19-style in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The line of cars wrapped around the block and down the street in the Al Tahoe neighborhood Friday, all to celebrate a South Lake Tahoe teen's 18th birthday.

With stay-at-home orders in place for both a birthday party and high school graduation, Lisa Calderon had to come up with an idea to make her daughter, Kayla Mason, feel special on her birthday.

Prescribed burn operations resume on Lake Tahoe's northwest shore

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) has resumed prescribed fire operations in the Tahoe Basin. California State Parks is currently conducting operations at Burton Creek State Park on Tahoe’s northwest shore and will continue over the next three weeks, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible. View map with project locations/details at https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/get-informed/ and sign-up for prescribed fire notifications by sending an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.

Operation information:

What is being burned - Seven acres of hand piles

Man rescued from Lake Tahoe after cries for help heard from shore

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - People at Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe heard a man's calls for help about 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, and their call to 911 brought out multiple agencies.

The 36-year-old man from Richmond, California had been kayaking about 400-500 yards offshore when his kayak starting taking on water through a hole.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following are the 37 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Cal-Tahoe JPA ambulances responded to from April 1-8, 2020.

4/1

00:05:28 - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury - 3100 block of Fresno Ave
15:37:08 - Carbon monoxide detector activation, no CO - 1800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
15:10:02 - EMS Call, Interfacility Transfer - Barton Hospital

4/2

07:30:48 - Smoke scare, odor of smoke = 1000 block of Al Tahoe Blvd
12:01:06 - Public service - 700 block of Clement St

New fire chief selected for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The new fire chief hired for South Lake Tahoe is no stranger to the Sierra Nevada and El Dorado County.

Clive Savacool, the former chief of the Garden Valley Fire Protection District, will be taking the helm at South Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, a position vacated when Jeff Meston retired in February 2019.

National Dispatchers Recognition Week April 12-18

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - April 12-18 is designated as National Telecommunicators Recognition Week, a time to honor the 911 dispatchers for their ongoing dedication to their communities.

The dispatch team covers the town 24/7 every day of the year and provides emergency and non-emergency coverage and helps the public and first responders with the resources they need.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue reopens midtown station

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) once again has three fire stations operating in the city limits. Their Station #2 on Lake Tahoe Boulevard in the Al Tahoe neighborhood reopened at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

In 2015 the City had let Cal Tahoe JPA move the ambulance service into the station when SLTFR restructured and moved all ambulance duties over to the JPA. In return they gave up their fire station for five years.

Prescribed burn operations continue around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal land management agencies, will continue prescribed fire operations in the Tahoe Basin over the next several weeks, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Aspen 1011 - USDA Forest Service - Location: Off Pioneer and Marshall trails near South Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 10.00. Planned Ignition: 02/28/2020

Twin Peaks 1091 - USDA Forest Service - Location: Near corner of Pawnee Drive and Iroquois Circle, Meyers, CA. Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 30.00.

Prescribed fire operations to continue around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) has plans to continue prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe over the next several weeks, weather, conditions and staffing permitting.

In the map above, the following operations are scheduled (clockwise starting with Sugar Pine Point State Park):

Sugar Pine Point State Park - California State Parks
Rod Beaudry Trail northwest of Ehrman Manion
Burn Type: Hand Pile
Total Acreage: 2.00
Planned Ignition: 03/02/2020

Burton Creek State Park - California State Parks
Burton Creek State Park, North of Rocky Ridge

Prescribed fires to continue around Lake Tahoe

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

The following 12 areas are on the schedule:

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

Fire hits South Lake Tahoe home twice in one night

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A home on Idaho Avenue in South Lake Tahoe had two fires overnight, resulting in damage to both the house and garage.

At 5:52 p.m. February 1, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) was called out to the home after what appears to be ashes placed in the garage caught on fire. The fire was knocked down and after being cleaned up, the fire crew left.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds annual awards ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During Thursday's annual South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue's annual awards ceremony, seven were honored for their milestones in length of service, three were given special citizen's awards and another four were given the dispatcher, firefighter and meritorious awards.

Award Winners

Engineer Paramedic Mike Taormina was given the Firefighter of the Year award

Melissa Dube was given the Dispatcher of the Year award

Captain Leslie Asbury and Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen were given the Fire Chief Meritorious awards

Cal Tahoe JPA plans on moving ambulances to new home as fire station reopens

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe let the Cal Tahoe JPA know in 2018 they would need their mid-town fire station back so they could increase fire services to the community. Originally planned for the fall of 2019, the move is now getting closer due to a grant to help with the hiring of new firefighters and outfitting its reopening.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following are the 182 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Cal-Tahoe JPA ambulances to from December 18 - December 31, 2019.

12/18

EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury - 1800 block Lake Tahoe Blvd
EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury - 700 block Merced Ave
EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury - 3900 block Pioneer Tr
EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury - 3100 block Lake Tahoe Blvd

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

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

Prescribed burn operations continue around Lake Tahoe

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

The 13 areas currently on the planned operations:

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

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

Four local families given special Christmas through Heavenly Holidays donation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Four local families were treated to presents for their children at Fire & Ice in South Lake Tahoe on Monday. Mom even got to take home a special gift too!

Identified through SOS Outreach, the kids met with the jolly Santa Claus and were given bags of gifts to take home.

US50 near Sierra-at-Tahoe reopens after head-on collision

7:15 p.m. UPDATE: All lanes have been reopened on US50 west of Sierra-at-Tahoe after a two-car head-on collision between a van and a SUV just after 5:00 p.m. Sunday. All injured parties have been transferred to Barton and the vehicles have been towed away.

At this time the extent of injuries is unknown but unconfirmed reports say all are minor at this time.

* * *

South Lake Tahoe to start new search for city manager and fire chief

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the City of South Lake Tahoe in need of both a city manager and fire chief, the City Council today discussed the best route to take on their recruitment.

Lake Tahoe DAR hosts Wreaths Across America

Members of Lake Tahoe Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) joined groups from across the country on Saturday, December 14 for a Wreaths Across America ceremony. This was the first time it was held in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following are the 116 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Cal-Tahoe JPA ambulances to from November 1 - November 13, 2019.

11/1

00:01 - 2700 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
08:10 - 800 block of Julie Ln - Public service assistance, other
09:28 - West Way at 89 Hwy - Smoke scare, odor of smoke
10:36 - 900 block of Julie Ln - Assist invalid
11:23 - 500 block of Emerald Bay Rd - Assist invalid

Wreaths Across America ceremony in South Lake Tahoe

The public is invited to attend the first Wreaths Across America ceremony in South Lake Tahoe on Saturday, December 14 at Happy Homestead Cemetery. Join the Lake Tahoe Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution at 9:00 a.m.

The ceremony will begin with a moment of silence.

Column: Lake Tahoe West Landscape Restoration Strategy.

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

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

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

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

Sleigh rides, music, Santa and more part of annual Holiday in History in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
December 14, 2019 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe History Museum has transformed into a scene of Christmases past, and they are opening up to the whole community on Saturday, December 14 for the free annual Holidays in History Open House.

The museum opens its doors at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy book store specials, a decorated historic cabin, docent tours, and their special spiced cider, all until 7:00 p.m.

Then, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., join in all the reindeer fun! The party moves over to the SLT Recreation Center gym for an evening of free family enjoyment.

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