News
End of Fire Season 2021
The series of late-October atmospheric rivers brought ample moisture to the region for the seasonal CAL FIRE burn suspensions to be lifted in Placer County and El Dorado County. CAL FIRE’s lifting of restrictions indicates the end of our local fire season. 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.)
Red Flag Warning in Effect 9/27/21 – 5AM on 9/28/2021
The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 28, 2021, for the greater Lake Tahoe/Truckee area. The region is in a critical fire weather period; fire personnel are prepared and responding accordingly. 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).
Red Flag Warning in Effect 9/9/2021 – 11PM 9/10/2021
The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2021, until 11:00 p.m. Friday, September 10, 2021 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).
PRESERVING WATER FOR THE FIRE FIGHT
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Water purveyors around Lake Tahoe are reporting an alarming trend; residents leaving irrigation, garden hoses, and sprinklers on roofs actively running as they follow evacuation orders. Not only is this not helpful in protecting homes from wildfire, but it can be detrimental for firefighters who rely on a water supply with adequate water flow to fight fire in extremely dangerous conditions.
Red Flag Warning in Effect 8/30/2021 – 9/1/2021
The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 30, 2021, and has expanded the expiration until 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2021 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 within these Districts during the time the Red Flag Warning is in effect (CF Code 307.1.1).
Red Flag Warning in Effect August 17, 2021 11AM – 11PM
The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 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 within these Districts during the time period the Red Flag Warning is in effect (CF Code 307.1.1).
Red Flag Warning in Effect August 5th, 2021 (midnight to 10 p.m.)
The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from August 5, 2021 beginning 12:00 a.m. PDT (midnight) until 10:00 p.m. on August 5, 2021 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 within these Districts during the time period the Red Flag Warning is in effect (CF Code 307.1.1).
Red Flag Warning Declaration 11 P.M. on 7/3/21 to 11 A.M. Sunday
The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from 11:00 p.m. PDT until 11:00 a.m. Sunday for thunderstorms, dry lightning, and strong outflow winds for the greater Lake Tahoe/Truckee area during this busy holiday weekend. Gusts to 40mph will be possible. 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 within these Districts during the time period the Red Flag Warning is in effect (CF Code 307.1.1).
Summer 2021 Newsletter
We wish you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend. Please check out the news and resources with information to keep you safe and prepared in our Summer 2021 Newsletter!
El Dorado County Building Department and MBFPD Process Changes
To improve and streamline the plan review submittal and inspection process for the building community in El Dorado County, the El Dorado County Building Department and the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (MBFPD) have been working together on a revised MOU. New processes effective July 1, 2021.
RED FLAG WARNING DECLARATION – VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER
The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from 12:00 p.m. PDT until 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, 2021 and again from 12:00 p.m. PDT until 11:00 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021 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 within these Districts during the time period the Red Flag Warning is in effect (CF Code 307.1.1).
2021 Fire Season Restrictions
Effective May 27, 2021 North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Protection Districts Prohibit ALL Open Burning and Recreational Fires
Subsequent to the adoption of the 2019 Fire Code, ONLY Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LPG) outdoor firepits and barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are allowed year-round except during Red Flag/critical fire weather conditions. All of these appliances must be utilized following manufacturer’s recommendations. All sources of open flames, including Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LPG) outdoor firepits and barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are prohibited during Red Flag/critical fire weather conditions. Red Flag Watches, Warnings and Advisories of critical fire weather in the Tahoe Basin are issued by the National Weather Service, Reno. For reports of hazardous camp fires, people should call 9-1-1.
Chief’s Corner – Wildfire Awareness
Tahoe City, Calif. May 4, 2021 – The month of May has historically been a time to raise awareness about the risk of wildfires, and to help residents prepare for the upcoming fire season. This year, the Basin fire agencies are leveling up the region’s preparedness efforts by introducing the Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Campaign, which will run from May through October with the theme: “Is Your Home Ignition Resistant?”
NTF Appoints New Fire Chief May 2021
Tahoe City, Calif. May 6, 2021 – At its April 27, 2021 Board meeting, the Board of Directors announced the appointment of Steve Leighton as Fire Chief for the North Tahoe Fire Protection District.
The Board selected Leighton to replace retiring Chief Mike Schwartz, who served as North Tahoe’s Fire Chief since 2012. During Schwartz’s 9-year tenure with NTF, his priorities were to improve personnel, apparatus, facilities, and finances. He successfully increased staffing from 28 full-time employees to 65, while modernizing the District’s fleet and facilities. He inherited a post-recession budget of $9.6 million that he grew to just over $17 million. The District’s service area grew to include the west shore via contract for service with Meeks Bay Fire Protection District in 2014. Prior to his retirement, Schwartz renewed a 15-year agreement to continue to provide service to Alpine Meadows via contract with the Alpine Springs County Water District.
North Tahoe Fire Now Hiring – Seasonal Defensible Space Inspectors
North Tahoe Fire is currently recruiting seasonal Defensible Space Inspectors, and encourages anyone with education or experience in Natural Resources, Forest Management, or those interested in a career with the Prevention/Forest Fuels Division to apply.
North Tahoe Firefighter Deployed to Loma Linda-Murrieta to Support COVID19 Surge
Firefighters are no stranger to being deployed on 14-day assignments during disasters, and this winter, crews will don a different uniform as they report to hospitals instead of wildfires. Firefighter/Paramedic Stephanie Lockhart was the first to volunteer when North Tahoe Fire received an emergency request for assistance from Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta, where ICU beds are currently at 99% capacity. Lockhart will be on assignment at the hospital working 12-hour shifts, assisting nurses and other hospital staff with patient care for the next two weeks.
Chamberlands Community Earns National Recognition for Wildfire Preparedness
Chamberlands, in the Homewood community on Lake Tahoe’s west shore, is the sixth community in North Tahoe to receive the National Fire Protection Association’s recognition as a Firewise USA® community. The Firewise USA® program teaches residents how to adapt to living in a wildfire area, and helps guide residents throughout the nation to reduce their wildfire risks.