tahoe fire

Family wins dinner with South Lake Tahoe firefighters

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department hosted their first annual open house on October 11th in recognition of National Fire Prevention week. Visitors toured all three fire stations and learned about the importance of having and checking smoke detectors, hands only CPR, using a fire extinguisher and also completed a passport card for entry into a grand prize drawing for of a dinner for four prepared by the firefighters. The Gower family of Eric, Jamie, Rowen, and Abby were the winners of the Open House dinner.

Late night motel fire in South Lake Tahoe displaces 10 people

Ten people had to find other accommodations Monday night after a suspicious fire started at the Tahoe Pines Lodge and destroyed three units.

The lodge in South Lake Tahoe is located behind the Sno-Flake Drive Inn and is used primarily as a residential motel. The American Red Cross gave the displaced residents rooms at the Howard Johnson Express Inn for three days.

Lake Tahoe basin seeing smoke from controlled burns

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District, California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service will continue prescribed fire operations near Sugar Pine Point State Park, Pioneer Trail and Washoan Boulevard, Ski Run Boulevard near Heavenly, Luther Pass, Spooner Summit, and Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park in Slaughterhouse Canyon. Operations will last through the next several weeks as conditions allow.

The following is a list of burn areas and how many acres are being burned.

Project Sunset at Washoan and Pioneer Trail - 12 acres

South Lake Tahoe holiday fire truck hits the streets

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department continues the holiday tradition of driving through City neighborhoods and passing out candy canes to our community youth. The decorated engine will Fire Station 2 at 5 p.m. nightly beginning December 10 and going through Christmas Eve.

December 10 Tahoe Keys and Venice Blvd.
December 11 Glenwood
December 12 Keys Blvd. and State Streets
December 13 South Y and Tata Ln.
December 14 Barton & Tahoe Island
December 15 Al Tahoe Blvd.
December 16 Springwood and Bijou Pines
December 17 Main Areas and Highway 50

South Lake Tahoe Fire Department Christmas Tree fire safety tips

Sallie from the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department has these tips to make your Christmas fire safe:

Select a fresh tree with good color and firm, flexible needles that do not easily pull from the branches.

Place the tree in plain water immediately after re-cutting the trunk at least ½” above the old cut. The container you use for your tree should hold 2 to 4 quarts of water. The longer you wait to place your tree in water, the greater the chances are that it will lose the required moisture content to keep it fresh through the holiday season. NEVER place your tree on a wooden stand.

More controlled burns around Lake Tahoe next week

California State Parks, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and the U.S. Forest Service will continue prescribed fire operations near Incline Village, Tahoma, Meeks Bay, Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoe Mountain and Heavenly urban lot areas.

There will be 87 acres of hand piles burned at Sugar Pine State Park, 30-40 acres of hand piles around the North Shore, 122 acres at Meeks Bay, 40 acres around Heavenly Valley and 123 acres on Tahoe Mountain.

Operations will last through the next several weeks as conditions allow.

Fire operations continuing on the South Shore as weather permits

Favorable conditions are giving the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the U.S. Forest Service more opportunities to burn piles around Van Sickle Bi-State Park, Heavenly urban lots and McKinney Rubicon area.

With cooler temperatures and some precipitation, this time of year is perfect for prescribed burning.

Controlled burns will continue around Lake Tahoe; Expect smoke

Smoke from controlled burns near Heavenly Mountain Resort was seen throughout town this week and there is more to come in the area, including South Lake Tahoe

Prescribed fire operations in the Round Hill, Zephyr Heights, Incline Village, Slaughterhouse Canyon, Christmas Valley, Ward Canyon, McKinney Rubicon areas and on various urban lots near Heavenly. Operations will last through the next several weeks as conditions allow.

Widespread prescribed fire operations to continue

The Nevada Division of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service started prescribed fire operations in the Incline Village, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Heavenly, Slaughterhouse Canyon, Christmas Valley, Pioneer Trail and McKinney Rubicon areas on Friday.

Lake Tahoe agencies to hold prescribed fire open house

Event Date: 
November 12, 2014 - 5:00pm

Learn about prescribed burns at a South Lake Tahoe open house hosted by the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team. Team members will be on hand to answer questions about how the agencies plan and implement prescribed fire in the Lake Tahoe basin.

The Open House will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Forest Supervisor’s office at 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Participating agencies include the Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, and Tahoe Douglas and Lake Valley fire protection districts.

'Tis the prescribed burn season; Wildfire protection a year-round effort

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - You've walked by them, biked past them, and maybe even seen them on empty lots - what are those random piles of wood? The piles are the first half of a two-step process used by Lake Tahoe Basin agencies to reduce hazardous fuels, provide community protection, and improve forest health.

Over 300 acres to be burned from Van Sickle Park to North Shore starting Sunday

Smoke will be visible from various locations around the lake due to prescribed burns of underbrush and wood piles starting Sunday.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, the Nevada Division of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service will conduct prescribed fire operations in the Incline Village, Ponderosa Ranch, Tunnel Creek trailhead areas and on scattered urban lots around the Lake Tahoe Basin beginning, Sunday, November 2, 2014, and continuing as conditions allow.

Halloween Safety Tip from the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department

This is Sallie of the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department with a Halloween safety Announcement.

Free flu vaccinations on Saturday

Event Date: 
October 25, 2014 - 8:30am

It's that time of year again for flu shots!

All South Lake Tahoe residents on both sides of the state line are invited to stop by the Tahoe Douglas Fire Station on Saturday, October 25 for a free flu vaccination.

The flu vaccinations are being provided by Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) and Tahoe Douglas Fire.

Shots, mist and high dose for seniors are all available from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Tahoe Douglas Fire Station #23 located at 193 Elks Point Road.

Basin agencies working together for wildfire protection

September brought the reality of wildfires to the forefront in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The King Fire came within eight air miles of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit boundary, and as we all anxiously awaited its containment, the Cascade Fire broke out in the Desolation Wilderness.

Op/Ed: Protecting our Communities, Forests, and Water

With California and Nevada grappling with a third year of drought, one of the largest and most complex challenges we face over the long run at Lake Tahoe is adapting to a changing climate.

Climate change will affect the protection and restoration of our beautiful mountain lake as well as the expansive forests around it. And the health of our lake, forests, and communities are all intertwined.

Fire operations begin Saturday at several South Shore locations

A multi-agency prescribed fire operation begins on Saturday, October 18 as the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team has crews from Tahoe Douglas Fire and the U.S. Forest Service at several locations around the lake.

Fall and winter bring cooler temperatures and precipitation, which favor prescribed burning. Each operation follows a prescribed fire burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation, and conditions for the dispersal of smoke. This information is used to decide when and where to burn.

Free wood chipping day for South Lake Tahoe residents

Event Date: 
October 18, 2014 (All day)

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District's Wildfire Prevention Program has organized a FREE chipping day for City of South Lake Tahoe residents on October 18. With the help of the California Conservation Corp and cooperation from South Lake Tahoe Fire Department, residents can get help with defensible space and slash removal.

In order to participate in the chipping service, homeowners must follow these guidelines:
• Place slash and brush piles adjacent to a driveway or street so the chipper crew can readily have access.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested for attempted murder after allegedly stabbing woman

A South Lake Tahoe woman is recovering in the hospital after undergoing emergency surgery for a stab wound to the neck Wednesday night.

Thomas Payne, 36, also of South Lake Tahoe, was arrested Thursday afternoon for attempted murder after the victim identified him as the perpetrator of the domestic violence.

Smoke alarms given away during South Lake Tahoe Fire Department's Open House

Event Date: 
October 11, 2014 - 10:00am

As part of National Fire Prevention Week, the South Lake Tahoe fire stations will open their doors to the public for a day of information, activities, contests and gifts.

Free admission to the 25th Annual Lake in the Sky Air Show in South Lake Tahoe

Air show officials have decided to drop the $10 entrance fee and offer free admission to all attendees for the 25th Annual Lake in the Sky Air Show this Saturday, September 20th from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Tahoe Valley Airport in South Lake Tahoe.

Last year's air show was canceled due to heavy smoke from the Rim Fire. Officials are monitoring the King Fire's smoke and movement, but at this time there are no flight closures and the aerial performances and all on ground activities are still going to occur.

This year’s show which will includes:

25th Annual Lake in the Sky Air Show

The 25th annual Lake in the Sky Air Show at Lake Tahoe Airport in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, California is scheduled for this Saturday, September 20, 2014. The Lake in the Sky Air Show has been described as “the best in the west” by one of its many professional aerial participants.

This year’s show which will includes:

Aerial Performances by Jon Melby, Bill Cornick, Spencer Suderman and Carl Liepold
Static Displays
Two World War II aircraft will be on display and will do a Fly-By during the Show. The aircraft are the F6F Hellcat and The Japanese Zero
the Cash Only Band

Firefighters have put a line around 89% of the King Fire

9/28/14 10:00 p.m. update: 4,420 firefighters and support staff are still on the scene of the 97.099 acre King Fire which is now 89% contained.

After 4 days of precipitation with accumulations of 1-3 inches, fire spread has been halted, however heat remains in the heavier fuels and in the heavy duff sheltered from the rain under the dense timber canopy. As the weather turns warm and dry over the next several days, expect to see an increase in fire activity and smoke production; however spread potential is extremely low, doe to the successful suppression efforts.

Tahoe Valley Airport turned into disaster scene

The last time emergency response processes were tested in South Lake Tahoe was during the 2007 Angora Fire. In order to test communication, responses and evaluate procedures, a mock disaster drill was held at the Tahoe Valley Airport Monday.

Fire danger still extremely high; bans in place

With the major forest fires burning throughout California, Oregon and Washington, it's a good time to remind everyone that there are fire restrictions in place in South Lake Tahoe.

The City of South Lake Tahoe and the U.S. Forest Service both have fire bans in place. Campfires and charcoal barbecues have been restricted to designated forest service recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin since June 26, even if campers and back country hikers have a fire permit.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Department responds to two small fires and diving accident

Two fires were quickly extinguished by the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department in the early hours on Sunday.

In the first incident, a fire was reported off Echo Road behind the power substation near the Stateline Raley's. When firefighters arrived at about 12:20 a.m., they found five foot flames coming from what was later determined to be an illegal campfire at a transient person's camp. They quickly cut a line around the fire and contained it to a 10 foot square.

Mock emergency drill to simulate C130 plane crash at the Tahoe Valley Airport

Event Date: 
August 25, 2014 - 10:00am

A large scale disaster is about to hit South Lake Tahoe. Sirens are blaring, emergency personnel are responding to the airport, screaming people are seriously injured while others cannot be saved, a triage is set up and an incident command center has been set up in the City Council chambers. A large airplane has just crashed with hazardous cargo on board at the Tahoe Valley airport.

Premonition? No. It's a planned emergency drill that will take place on Monday, August 25.

Tahoe Queen gets stuck: 258 passengers transported to safety

What started off as a leisurely 90 minute cruise on the Tahoe Queen turned into quite the adventure for passengers on board Monday afternoon.

The boat was about 30 minutes into its Emerald Bay cruise when it became stuck on a sandbar. At about 3:30 p.m., South Lake Tahoe Fire Department received a call that the Tahoe Queen was stuck off the Regan Beach shore. It is not known at this time why emergency personnel weren't called to the scene until 90 minutes after the Tahoe Queen got stuck.

Children's Environmental Science Day

Event Date: 
August 9, 2014 - 1:00pm

Children and their families are invited by U.C. Davis to visit their Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences on Saturday, August 9 for a day of hand's on activities.

The 15th annual event is free and sponsored by the Tahoe Environmental Research Center. Children's Environmental Science Day includes more than 30 interactive science activities hosted by local organizations, all aimed at children ages 6 and up.

Fire Investigators Say Arsonist Started Four Brush Fires Along Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails

Lake Tahoe fire officials, the U.S. Forest Service and Douglas County authorities are investigating a number of intentionally set brush fires lit near four hiking trails in the Stateline and Zephyr Cove areas.

In the past two weeks, four separate small brush fires have been started off of hiking trails, said Douglas County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Pat Brooks. Because of the nature of the fires, they are believed to have been started by the same person or persons, Brooks added.

Inaugural Wildfire Safety Expo to be Held in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
June 21, 2014 - 12:00pm

Several agencies are coming together on Saturday, June 21st for the first Wildfire Safety Expo in South Lake Tahoe.

The threat of wildfire is extremely high this fire season due to record drought conditions in the West. To provide information on creating home evacuation plans, preparing for fire, creating defensible space, the expo has been created.

The expo will be held in the TJ Maxx parking lot from noon to 3 p.m.

TRPA Honors Retiring Fire Chiefs During Wildfire Awareness Month

May was deemed Wildfire Awareness Month in the basin by Lake Tahoe fire agencies.

Wildfire Prevention Community Clean Up at Temple Bat Yam

In order to create defensible apace from wildfires, members of Temple Bat Yam, Lake Valley Fire Protection District and the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department held a community clean-up day for the property around the synagogue on May 18, 2014.

The collaborative effort is an example of working together to produce Fire Adapted Communities, which are communities located in fire-prone areas that require little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire.

If you're interested in scheduling a Wildfire Prevention effort in your neighborhood, call the SLTFD at 530-542-6160.

Inaugural Community Games at LTCC on May 31

Event Date: 
May 31, 2014 - 9:00am

The Future Business Leaders of Tahoe student club at Lake Tahoe Community College warmly invites one and all to join in the first-ever LTCC Community Games on Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Fitness Education Center at LTCC. If, like us, you’ve been inspired by our local Olympic champions and now wish to grab some gold for yourself (while spreading the concepts of good sportsmanship and community spirit), then the Community Games are for you!

South Lake Tahoe Community Input Sought for Wildfire Protection Plan

Living in a forest gives great benefits, but it also carries with it the risk of forest fires.

A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for South Lake Tahoe is being developed jointly by the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department and Lake Valley Fire Protection District.

The community is being asked to complete a survey which will help the agencies prepare the CWPP. This will enable the creation of a plan on how the south shore will reduce it's risk of wildfire by identifying strategic sites and methods for fuel reduction projects.

3rd Annual Lake Tahoe Home & Garden Show

Event Date: 
April 26, 2014 - 10:00am

The Annual Home & Garden Show in South Lake Tahoe will be held April 25 to 26, 2014 at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Complex.

The long list of vendors participating include the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department, I Can Fix THat, Just Fabulous Repurposed Furniture and Consignment, Second Chances, Everything Tahoe, Legal Shield, H20 at Home and many more. There will also be an author's corner this year, along with raffles, classes, demonstrations and live music.

Friday - 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Suspicious Fire in South Lake Tahoe Being Investigated

A Wednesday night house fire in South Lake Tahoe has turned into a criminal investigation.

South Lake Tahoe Police officers and fire fighters responded to a residential fire in the 1100 block of Long Valley Avenue at 6:10 pm. They found the home fully engulfed in flames with fire starting to spread to nearby trees, though they were able to contain the fire to the area of the burning home. It appears the house is likely to be a total loss.

The house has received the attention of the police and fire department prior to Wednesday night's fire.

3rd Annual Lake Tahoe Home & Garden Show

Event Date: 
April 25, 2014 - 4:00pm

The Annual Home & Garden Show in South Lake Tahoe will be held April 25 to 26, 2014 at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Complex.

The long list of vendors participating include the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department, I Can Fix THat, Just Fabulous Repurposed Furniture and Consignment, Second Chances, Everything Tahoe, Legal Shield, H20 at Home and many more. There will also be an author's corner this year, along with raffles, classes, demonstrations and live music.

Friday - 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Time of Giving: The South Lake Tahoe Community Helps Others Through Christmas Cheer

You've most likely seen the bins around town, covered in wrapping paper and notes asking for toy donations for Christmas Cheer. The call for toys being needed for children in the South Lake Tahoe community went out, and the community responded.

South Lake Tahoe's 2nd Annual Holiday Parade on Saturday

Event Date: 
December 14, 2013 - 3:00pm

The 2nd Annual South Lake Tahoe Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 14. Spectators will line the parade route from the top of Ski Run Blvd to TJMaxx at the Y. When the parade starts the forecast is sunny and 40 degrees.

Festive Fire Trucks Tour South Lake Tahoe Neighborhoods For The Holidays

The City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Department and the Lake Valley Fire Department have announced their Christmas Fire Truck tours for the season:

In the city limits the fire truck leaves Station 2 at 5 pm each night and runs their route until 8 pm.

Tuesday, Dec 10 - Venice/Tahoe Keys Area
Wednesday, Dec 11 - Glenwood
Thursday, Dec 12 - Keys Blvd/State Streets
Friday, Dec 13 - South Y/Tata
Saturday, Dec 14 - Barton/Tahoe Island
Sunday, Dec 15 - Al Tahoe
Monday, Dec 16 - Springwood/Bijou Pines
Tuesday, Dec 17 - Main Areas along Hwy 50
Wednesday, Dec 18 - Stateline/Hotels

Light Up South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
December 7, 2013 - 6:00pm

In order to prepare for the 2nd Annual Light Up South Lake Tahoe on December 7, local businesses are encouraged to show their holiday spirit by decorating their storefronts with lights and other decor. The City of South Lake Tahoe is helping defray the cost of lights by offering 2 long strands for the price of 1 strand, which is just $12.

Fuel Reduction Fire Across Lake Near Incline Village

Billows of smoke can be seen from the South Shore today as the North Lake Tahoe Fire Department took advantage of the good conditions and continued their prescribed burn on 35 acres above Lariat Circle in the Incline Village General Improvement District.

Smoke resulting from the understory burn will affect the surrounding areas for approximately 24 hours. People that are smoke sensitive are advised to please stay inside and close their windows and doors as much as possible until the smoke dissipates.

Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Chiefs Hail Governors' Proclamation

The, members of the fire-based Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (MAC) and the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), expressed appreciation for the joint Proclamation issued by the Governors of Nevada and California prior to the 17th annual Lake Tahoe Summit held in August.

The Garden Party

Event Date: 
October 3, 2013 - 1:00pm

A day of food, family and fun benefiting local firefighters, veterans and LTWC. Live music all day featuring: Adient Zoo, Groovebox, Black Star Safari, 3-piece puzzle, Hot sticky mess, Deep Fryed Mojo and many more! Dog friendly, beer & wine garden, free bike valet, food vendors & BBQ, tons of free door prizes, games and contests for humans and dogs!

Free entry for local firefighters (+2 guests for half price). All profits donated to Father's House Ministries, dedicated to the rehabilitation of our veterans, LTWC and South Lake Tahoe Fire Department.

Firefighters snuff attic blaze at Emerald Bay Road restaurant

South Lake Tahoe firefighters were able to contain a fire in the attic of Lake Tahoe Pizza Co., in the 1100 block of Emerald Bay Road on Monday night.

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time, said South Lake Tahoe Fire Department Shift Commander Rob Hembree in a news release. No injuries were reported.

The fire department responded at 11:09 p.m. Other responding agencies were the Lake Valley Fire Protection District, CalFire and Tahoe Douglas Protection District.

Lake Tahoe leaders applaud restoration bill

Lake Tahoe organizations whose collaborative work over the past 15 years has been a driving force for advancing Lake Tahoe restoration efforts applauded congressional leaders Thursday for introducing a $415 million reauthorization of the federal Lake Tahoe Restoration Act.

14th Annual Children’s Environmental Science Day

Event Date: 
August 10, 2013 (All day)

Children are invited to spend the day with scientists on Saturday, August 10, learning about the unique ecology, function, restoration and preservation of Lake Tahoe. Children’s Environmental Science Day will be held at the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences in Incline Village.

Update: More details on fatal plane crash in South Lake Tahoe

A single engine Mooney airplane crashed shortly after take off from the South Lake Tahoe airport at approximately 11:10 AM today.

The plane was observed by numerous witnesses begin to lose altitude after take off, and bank sharply into a wooded area east of the airport. The plane crashed into some large pine trees and flipped over.

The male pilot, Steven Lefton 67 years of age of Palo Alto, CA was killed on impact. His wife, Karen Lefton sustained moderate injuries and was pinned in the wreckage of the plane.

South Lake Tahoe emergency responders rescue man drowning at Tahoe Keys

A man who nearly drowned earlier this week at Lake Tahoe in the Tahoe Keys owes his life to those who saw him struggle and dialed 911, and members of the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department and El Dorado County Search and Rescue team that swam in and saved him.

Witnesses on Monday saw the man in trouble while he was swimming near the boat docks and called 911. South Lake Tahoe Fire Department responded and was escorted out to where the man was seen swimming, said Fire Chief Bruce Martin.

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