News
New Lake Tahoe Regional Evacuation Plan Media Release
(Lake Tahoe, CA and NV) – A new Lake Tahoe Regional Evacuation Plan was developed by the cooperative efforts of the Lake Tahoe Fire Chiefs, Lake Tahoe Law Enforcement Agencies, and Emergency Management Personnel following experiences gained during past major wildfires. The Plan is a “living document” intended to provide the public with critical information related to evacuations and will be updated from time to time…
Red Flag Warning 8/12/2024 Media Release
The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions today, Monday August 12, 2024, from noon until 8:00p.m. for the greater Lake Tahoe/Truckee area. The Fire Chief of the North Tahoe Fire Protection District, in accordance with the California Fire Code with amendments adopted by the Boards of Directors of the North Tahoe Fire, Meeks Bay Fire and Alpine Springs CWD, has issued a Declaration prohibiting all sources of outdoor open flame (including gas/propane/pellet BBQs) within these Districts during the time the Red Flag Warning is in effect (CF Code 307.1.1)…
Summer Fire Restrictions 2024 Media Release
On Monday, June 10, 2024, the CALFIRE AEU Unit suspended burn permits for the season, and on Monday, June 17, 2024, CALFIRE NEU followed suit, resulting in full suspension of residential burn permits in the Tahoe Basin. These are the triggers that prompt North Tahoe Fire Protection District, Meeks Bay Fire Protection District, and Alpine Springs CWD jurisdictions to activate local fire restrictions by suspending all solid fuel recreational fires and open burning…
Environmental Improvement Program 2024
On Thursday, May 16, from 6:00-7:00 PM, join Environmental Improvement Program partners for the latest on projects happening near you. Learn about the Incline Meadow Restoration Project, local fuel reduction projects, Sand Harbor Master Plan Update, and more, plus how to stay engaged on all these initiatives
Wildfire Preparedness Workshop 2024
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, we are participating in the Community Wildfire Preparedness Workshop again and we are looking forward to a great turnout! This event is being organized by the Tahoe Resource Conservation District...
Burn Permits Required May 1st, 2024
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit has announced effective at 8:00 am, Wednesday, May 1, 2024, all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Sierra Counties.
Burn permits must now be obtained online at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/. Applicants can access the website to obtain a burn permit which involves watching a short educational video and submitting an application.
December 2023 Newsletter
For a second year in a row, we’ve enjoyed a below average fire season, with early precipitation and no red flag warnings. This allowed us to move out of drought and end fire restrictions earlier than typical years, providing residents a long season of opportunity to burn green waste piles and harden their homes to wildfire.
Seasonal Fire Restrictions End October 9, 2023
The mild summer and good precipitation this fall prompted CAL FIRE to lift burning restrictions effective October 9, 2023, and the Fire Chief has lifted seasonal fire restrictions for North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Protection Districts effective the same date. Homeowners are permitted to use properly screened wood-burning firepits and chimeneas, and charcoal barbecues throughout the cold weather months unless high winds/red flag weather conditions prohibit safe use. (The outdoor burning of wood and charcoal is never permitted at Short-Term Rentals.)
Seasonal Fire Restrictions Go Into Effect June 26, 2023
On June 26, 2023, CALFIRE NEU is suspending burn permits for the season. This is the trigger that prompts North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD), Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (MBFPD), and Alpine Springs County Water District (ASCWD) to activate local fire restrictions that suspend the outdoor burning of solid fuels. The suspension takes effect Monday, June 26, 2023, and remains in effect for the duration of fire season.
Alarming Increase in Gas Leaks, Carbon Monoxide-Related Emergencies
North Tahoe Fire reports an alarming increase in gas leaks, Carbon Monoxide (CO) related emergencies and other hazard-related emergencies resulting from the repeated storms and heavy snow. Since January 1, 2023, hazard calls have accounted for nearly 20% of non-EMS incidents. Firefighters are on a mission to empower the public with information on ways to prevent snow-related emergencies by properly maintaining mountain homes.
Pile Burning Notification for NTPUD Gentry Property and North Tahoe Regional Park
We are conducting pile burning operations at the NTPUD Gentry Property beginning today, November 14th, and at the North Tahoe Regional Park tomorrow, November 15th through this week. Please see the attached maps and/or visit tahoelivingwithfire.com to learn more about current fuels reduction projects, and other resources that may be available to you.
North Tahoe Fire Receives Funding for Wildfire Prevention Workforce Development
North Tahoe Fire received funding from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) to fund the Wildfire Prevention Workforce Development Project. The pilot project leverages the district’s Fire Adapted Communities grant funding for part-time seasonal positions, by filling the financial gap to transition those positions to fully benefited year-round jobs for two years, while providing a career path in Wildfire Prevention.
Fall Newsletter 2022
The 2022 fire season was a welcome break compared to recent years. We experienced no red flag warnings for the first time in 11 years, and the early record-setting rain we received in September helped to bring the Mosquito Fire under containment. Cal Fire is reporting less than 375,000 acres burned this year compared to nearly 2.5 million acres at the same time last year, and our November storm brought welcome precipitation to the region, ending our fire season and allowing us to lift seasonal fire restrictions.
Dispose of fireplace/wood stove ashes properly at Lake Tahoe
As the temperatures drop outside, thoughts turn to cozying up in front of a warm indoor fire. When using fireplaces/wood stoves and heating appliances indoors this winter it’s very important to remember a few safety tips and precautions. Heating equipment and improper ash disposal are leading causes of home and wildland fires during the fall and winter months.
North Tahoe Fire Receives Funding for Mechanical Chest Compression Devices
North Tahoe Fire is the proud recipient of equipment funded by two organizations that will help the agency expand its fleet of cardiac care equipment. A total of five Mechanical Chest Compression Devices are being funded for the district, made possible through Agency Partnership funding approved by the Truckee Tahoe Airport District, and a benevolent contribution from the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Burning Restrictions Lifted in North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Protection Districts
The early November storm brought ample moisture to the region for the seasonal CAL FIRE burn suspensions to be lifted. CAL FIRE’s lifting of restrictions indicates the end of our local fire season, and the Fire Chief has lifted seasonal fire restrictions for North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Protection Districts. Homeowners are permitted to use properly screened wood-burning firepits and chimeneas, and charcoal barbecues throughout the cold weather months unless high winds/red flag weather conditions prohibit safe use. (The outdoor burning of wood and charcoal is never permitted at Short-Term Rentals.)
North Tahoe Fire Board Accepts $528,673 in Grant Funding
At its September board meeting, the North Tahoe Fire Board of Directors approved acceptance of the 2021 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), along with an El Dorado County Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Grant. Combined, the awards total $528,673 for a rescue apparatus, extrication equipment, and advanced cancer screenings for firefighters.
Summer 2022 – Annual Newsletter
I like to start off my greetings by sharing how proud I am of our talented professionals at NTFPD, all of whom are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of fire protection, fire prevention, rescue, and Advanced Level Emergency Medical Services and ambulance transport. We are proud to serve and protect you, your friends and loved ones, your homes and your businesses. We hope you enjoy our annual newsletter!
Fire Season Declared 2022 – Burn Restrictions in Effect
On May 19, 2022, CALFIRE NEU suspended burn permits for the season, and on Monday, May 24, 2022 CALFIRE AEU followed suit, resulting in full suspension of residential burn permits in the Tahoe Basin. These are the triggers that prompt North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD), Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (MBFPD), and Alpine Springs County Water District (ASCWD) to activate local fire restrictions that suspend the outdoor burning of solid fuels, including wood and charcoal. The suspension takes effect Wednesday, June 1, 2022, and remains in effect for the duration of fire season.
North Lake Tahoe High School Senior Raises Funds for Wildland Fire Protection
Just last week, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced “Safer from Wildfires,” a new insurance framework that incorporates wildfire safety measures that make homes and businesses more resilient to wildfire. The North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD) has been incorporating many of these same elements, collaborating with communities to prepare for fire season. The district maintains a robust Forest Fuels program, offering Defensible Space Inspections, assisting in Firewise USA programs for insurance discounts, and Curbside Chipping at no cost to residents, in addition to other fuels management efforts to mitigate the threats of wildfire at the community level.