Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898                             

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 30, 2020 – Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) members will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, weather and conditions permitting. California State Parks and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District are scheduled to burn hand piles on the east and west shores. Smoke may be visible. A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/get-informed/. Sign-up to receive email prescribed fire notifications at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to reintroduce fire back into our forests that include pile burning and understory burning. Pile burning is intended to remove excess fuels (branches, limbs and stumps) that can feed unwanted wildfires and involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand and mechanical equipment. Understory burning is low intensity prescribed fire that takes place on the ground (the understory) rather than pile burning. Understory burning uses a controlled application of fire to remove excess vegetation under specific environmental conditions that allow fire to be confined to a predetermined area. Understory burning produces fire behavior and fire characteristics required to attain planned fire and resource management objectives.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time for gatherings with family and friends. However, this year is not like most with the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC recommends the safest way to celebrate is with the people in your household.

According to NFPA, Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. Take this opportunity to create activities that keep kids out of the kitchen – board games, puzzles, books can keep them busy and out of harm’s way. Here are some safety tips to think about leading up to this family holiday.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay 3 feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee could cause serious burns.
• If you are considering using a turkey fryer, please do some additional research. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discourages the use of these types of fryers for many reasons. Most of which is the substantial amount of cooking oil used at high temperatures pose a significant danger during the cooking process. Please refer to NFPA for more information.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks, or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children.
• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
• Test your smoke alarms and make sure all are working properly.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898                             

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 24, 2020 – California State Park and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District crews are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations this week, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible. A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/get-informed/ (scroll down to view map). Sign-up to receive email prescribed fire notifications at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to reintroduce fire back into our forests that include pile burning and understory burning. Pile burning is intended to remove excess fuels (branches, limbs, and stumps) that can feed unwanted wildfires and involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand and mechanical equipment. Understory burning is low intensity prescribed fire that takes place on the ground (the understory) rather than pile burning. Understory burning uses a controlled application of fire to remove excess vegetation under specific environmental conditions that allow fire to be confined to a predetermined area.  Understory burning produces fire behavior and fire characteristics required to attain planned fire and resource management objectives.

Weather and fuel conditions permitting, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District anticipates pile burning in the Diamond Peak Ski Resort area possibly early next week.

Smoke resulting from the pile burns will affect the surrounding areas for approximately 48-72 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.

We thank the community for your patience and understanding with the short-term smoke impacts, realizing that improving forest health and fire safety are the long-term benefits.

For further information, or to be added to the district’s smoke sensitive notification list, please call the Fire District at 775-831-0351, ext. 8106 or visit www.nltfpd.net.

As we turn our clocks back this Sunday, November 1^st for the end of daylight saving, take a few extra minutes to check your smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms save lives. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to warn you so that you have time to get out. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms decrease the risk of dying in reported home fires by nearly half.

Some important tips to remember regarding smoke alarms:  

• Please make sure smoke alarms are installed inside each bedroom, outside every bedroom/sleeping area, and on every level of your home.

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead. Testing smoke alarms monthly is a good idea. Replace batteries once a year or, when the low-battery alarm chirps. This is also a great time to check carbon monoxide alarms.

• Smoke alarms that are interconnected are much more efficient because a fire detected by any smoke alarm will sound an alarm at every location where a smoke alarm is installed. Interconnected smoke alarms provide early warning of fires that are still far away or are located on the other side of a door or wall that may block sound.

• Develop and practice an escape plan so that everyone in the home knows what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds. The best-case scenario would be two ways out of every room. A household that practices an escape plan is much more prepared and likely to successfully exit the home in the event of a real fire.

• There are two types of smoke alarms – ionization and photoelectric. Ionization detectors are generally more responsive to flaming fires, whereas photoelectric detectors are more sensitive to fires that begin slowly, with a long “smoldering period” for example a fire caused by an unattended cigarette.

• For best protection use both types of smoke alarm There are combination alarms that include both technologies in a single device.

• When a smoke alarm activates, please do not assume it is a false alarm. If there is a question about what activated the smoke alarm , please call your local fire department or district. For the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, please call 775-831-0351, ext. 0 to speak with someone in person or visit nltfpd.net.

Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the first week of October in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific blaze killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

During the month of October, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) will be coordinating with our schools from a distance to provide educational materials and videos to our teachers so they can share with their students online. We will miss seeing our students in person this year at the fire station and hope that everyone is staying safe and following the COVID-19 guidelines so we can see each other soon on the other side of this.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Fall Yard Clean Up & Home Fire Safety Tips

The forecasted Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) event for Friday, September 18^th for the Incline PSOM Zone is CANCELLED due to updated weather forecasts.

Visit nvenergy.com/psom for more info.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) will be offering flu vaccinations to individuals over the age of eight beginning September 15, 2020, for as long as supplies last (children under the age of eight should be taken to their pediatrician for vaccination). NLTFPD is only offering the regular quadrivalent flu vaccine at this time. The "high dose" vaccine contains  4 times the antigen as the normal vaccine and is only available to people over the age of 65. People 65 years and older are at the highest risk for flu-related deaths and tend to have poorer immune responses to flu vaccines than younger people.  Anyone 65 or over interested in receiving this high dose vaccine should contact their physician for guidance. Vaccines administered by NLTFPD will only be offered at the Fire District’s main station located at 875 Tanager Street. Vaccines will not be available at the Crystal Bay or Mount Rose Stations, or at the administration office on Oriole Way. 

Walk-ins are welcome but please do not come if you have been experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms. Masks or face coverings are required and please practice appropriate social distancing as necessitated.  When you arrive at 875 Tanager Street, ring the doorbell by the front door and someone will be down to assist you ASAP.  

The cost of each vaccine is $40.00 and is payable by cash, check made out to NLTFPD, or credit card. We cannot accept Medicare for payment at this time. For your convenience, Fire District personnel are available to visit homes or businesses by appointment. There is no additional charge for this service; however, the $40.00 vaccine fee still applies. To make an appointment, please call 775-831-0351, ext. 0.

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As we continue to navigate and respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to make preparations.

Being prepared for an emergency includes three basic steps:

• Make a Plan
• Assemble a Kit
• Stay Informed

If you have these three components in place you will be able to navigate an emergency situation much quicker with less stress.

The first step is making a plan. This means making sure your family is well-informed on potential hazards and community plans. Know what to do if your family is not at home when a warning is issued. Some things to consider when developing your Emergency Plan:   

• Identify potential disasters and how to respond to each
• Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries
• Know two escape routes from each room in your home
• Identify two family meeting places – one near home and one away
• Post emergency telephone numbers in a central location
• Know what you need to do in the event of an evacuation
• Know how to shut off your utility service
• Plan for any special needs
• Make plans for your pets

The second step is assembling a kit. There are six basic items to include:

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.  – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) reminds residents and visitors that recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are not permitted on public or private property including residential properties, vacation/short-term rentals, campgrounds, resorts and other recreational areas throughout the Lake Tahoe/Truckee region until the end of November or until rescinded.

Hot, dry weather and significant wildfire activity across California and Nevada along with the increase in National Preparedness to the highest level and limited availability of national and regional firefighting resources has prompted the Lake Tahoe/Truckee Region’s fire and land management agencies to implement these enhanced restrictions to protect our communities, wildlife, and forests. 

Additionally, all sources of outdoor open flames including outdoor gas appliances such as pressurized gas fire pits, grills, and portable stoves are not permitted during Red Flag Warnings. Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service to indicate critical fire weather conditions are occurring or imminent. Outdoor pressurized gas appliances are allowed during non-Red Flag Warning days.

Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Remember, it’s not a matter “if” the next wildfire will occur, it’s a matter of “when.” Learn how to prepare your home, family, and neighborhood for the next wildfire at https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/. 

Our Federal and State land management officials have declared the Lake Tahoe Basin to be in extreme fire danger due to exceedingly dry conditions, critical weather, increasing fire danger, and poor air quality.

In addition to the previously enacted fire restrictions, set forth April 21, 2020; effective immediately, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has declared fire season restrictions to prohibit the use of charcoal. This ban is in effect until further notice and applies to the IVGID parks and beach charcoal grilling areas. These restrictions are in coordination with our land management officials and fire agency partners around the Lake Tahoe Basin.

“Given the critical weather conditions and extreme fire behavior statewide and in our region, we are joining our neighboring fire districts in an effort to strengthen our resiliency against the threat of wildfire in the Lake Tahoe Basin”, said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers.

This is also a reminder during Red Flag Warnings, all sources of outdoor open flame, including gas fire pits/grills and pellet grills/smokers, are prohibited.

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. With our drought conditions and dry vegetation, we have been experiencing a higher than average number of Red Flag Warning days thus far this summer.

 This is an open class for anyone in need of any American Heart Association class including Basic Life Support, CPR/AED, Adult and Pediatric First Aid. The course cost is $75 payable by cash or check upon completion of the class. An AHA course completion ecard will be sent the day after the class to the emails used in registration and good for 2 years from the class date.

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE

Any questions can be directed to the instructor, Janet at 775.772.6170. Per AHA guidelines, the class will be taught using the latest CDC social distancing requirements. Please bring your compliant mask. All other PPE will be supplied.

The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner

This course is for healthcare professionals who need to know how to perform CPR, as well as other lifesaving skills, in a wide variety of in-hospital and out-of-hospital settings. Course description provided by the American Heart Association®

You are invited to a Defensible Space Zoom Meeting!

Please join us for a virtual Block Party via Zoom this coming Saturday, July 25th, 2020 at 10 a.m.

We will miss seeing you in person this summer due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines.

Although not as awesome as seeing you in person, we have put together a Defensible Space Zoom meeting

to continue our discussions around defensible space, home hardening, developing a

As we have been experiencing lately, fires started by lightning peak in the summer months and in the late afternoon and early evening. Know what to do to keep you and your family safe when storms strike.

• If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or a hard-topped vehicle right away.
• Do not go under trees for shelter. There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter.
• Stay away from windows and doors. Stay off porches.
• There is no safe place outside. Places with only a roof on sports fields, golf courses, and picnic areas are not safe during a lightning storm. Small sheds should not be used.
• If a person is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1. Get medical help right away.

Facts & figures from National Fire Protection Association:

• During 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 22,600 fires started by lightning. These fires caused annual averages of
  • 9 civilian deaths
  • 53 civilian injuries
  • $451 million in direct property damage

• Fires started by lightning peak in the summer months and in the late afternoon and early evening.

For more information on lightning safety please visit www.nfpa.org.

As public fireworks displays are canceled across the country, and, in our own community, we would like to remind everyone to please refrain from using consumer fireworks when celebrating on and around July 4 th .

In a typical year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages the public to only attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals, reflecting its long-standing position against consumer use of fireworks. With public fireworks events being canceled this year, NFPA is strongly discouraging individuals’ use of consumer fireworks, recognizing that the likelihood of such activities may increase in the absence of public displays.

“Because we will not be having our professional public fireworks display locally this year, we strongly encourage people to find other safe ways to celebrate the holiday,” said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “We would like to remind folks that fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge on any property, public or private (including US Forest Service) in the Tahoe Basin.” This includes all consumer fireworks (fireworks purchased by individuals) known as “safe and sane” brought in from out of state. Washoe County, Douglas County and Carson City enforce civil and criminal penalties for possession and/or use of fireworks.

The use of consumer fireworks can lead to fires, devastating burns, other injuries, and even death. Not only are safety precautions a concern, the cost of suppression and any other injury or liability caused by fireworks is the direct responsibility of those persons using fireworks. Anyone with fireworks may turn them into any fire station in any fire district without penalty at any time.

In addition to the harm consumer fireworks can inflict on individuals, these unnecessary incidents can also place undue burdens on first responders and emergency room staff. Our first responders have been working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Please show your support and avoid consumer use of fireworks to help reduce the number of preventable incidents that require response and care.

Following the June 24th, 2020 mandate of Governor Sisolak and to continue to practice responsible social distancing to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Fire District’s Fire Stations and Fuels Management buildings are closed to public visitation until further notice. The Fire District’s Administration Office and Incline Station Training Room are open to the public by appointment only.

Fire District staff will continue working during business hours and are available via phone 775-831-0351, ext. 0 to speak with someone in person, to make an appointment or you can visit www.nltfpd.net for email contacts.

Our Fire District continues to work with Washoe County Health District and follow the Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems as outlined by the Centers for Disease (CDC) to make sure our first responders are prepared to respond appropriately with regard to COVID-19.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Please visit the CDC Prevention & Treatment website for more information.

Our fire stations remain fully staffed 24/7 to respond to 911 emergencies. If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, please call Washoe County Health Department at 775-348-2427.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District responded to a report of a commercial structure fire at approximately 5:43 a.m. this morning at Alpine Boat Storage, 1060 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village, NV. Upon arrival the crews quickly extinguished the fire. Six boats and seven jet skis were damaged by the fire. There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Thank you to Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Highway Patrol and North Tahoe Fire Protection District for your assistance. Crews remain at the scene to completely overhaul the fire.

Washoe County Health District, Incline Village Community Hospital and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will be offering free COVID-19 asymptomatic community testing on Friday, June 12, 2020, 9am – 2pm, for residents only of Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada. There is no appointment needed for this drive-up testing. Please bring your Nevada driver’s license to the testing site located at the Incline Village Community Hospital, 880 Alder Avenue, Incline Village, NV. Upon arrival, residents will be asked to complete an information questionnaire and consent form(s) before proceeding to the testing location. Result notifications will be sent out within 72-96 hours.

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is launching this new website to better deliver information across multiple media and device formats.  Utilizing state-of-the-art web delivery tools, and an all new design, we aim to provide timely information about our array of services to the community.

Chipping & North Lake Tahoe Fire District Defensible Space Services Begin June 1, 2020

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is gearing up for fire and fuels reduction activities for the 2020 season. 

The District will begin conducting defensible space evaluations and curbside chipping services on June 1, 2020.  Requests can be made online starting May 25, 2020 at www.nlttfpd.net.

All requests will be contacted within two weeks to schedule a defensible space evaluation or curbside chipping date. Please provide all requested information on the online form to the best of your knowledge, so that we can maintain these free services. Please keep in mind, that the chipping crew does respond to wildfires and may not be able to get to your chipping pile right away.

Please ensure you are taking every precaution to protect your home from wildfire by getting a defensible space evaluation. The fire district can issue free tree removal permits for fire hazard trees, but their removal must accompany complete defensible space treatments.

Following the directive of Governor Sisolak and to practice responsible social distancing to minimize the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Administration Office, Fire Stations, Fuels Management and Incline Station buildings are closed to public visitation until further notice. Fire District staff will continue working during business hours and are available via phone 775-831-0351, ext. 0 to speak with someone in person or www.nltfpd.net for email contacts.

Our Fire District continues to work with Washoe County Health District and follow the Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems as outlined by the Centers for Disease (CDC) to make sure our first responders are prepared to respond appropriately with regard to COVID-19.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Please visit the CDC Prevention & Treatment website for more information.

We are updating our News page daily with updates from Washoe County Health District.

Useful websites: 

We are updating our News page daily with updates from Washoe County Health District.

Useful websites: 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• www.cdc.org
• Washoe County Health District
• Reno/Spark/Washoe Regional Information Center
• IVGID Community Conversation - an update with NLTFPD Infection Control Officer Jill Andersen 4.23.2020

Effective Tuesday, April 21, 2020, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will be closing open public burning and will no longer issue burn permits for solid fuels (e.g., pine needles, slash piles, wood burning recreational fires). Fuel-fired recreational fire pits (e.g., natural gas or propane) are allowed by permit only.  To obtain a permit for fuel-fired appliance, please contact the Fire District, 775 831-0351.  Fuel-fired appliances shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

This prohibition on open public burning will remain in effect until further notice. Please contact the Fire District’s Interim Fire Marshal, Jennifer Donohue with any questions at 775-831-0351, ext. 8127.

Propane and charcoal barbequing is acceptable as long as used within manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations. Follow these simple safety tips when using charcoal or propane grills. 

Safety Tips:

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors. 
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. 
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. 
• Never leave your grill unattended. 
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.  

Charcoal Grills:

Weather and fuel conditions permitting, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District anticipates pile burning at Diamond Peak and east of Altdorf Terrace and Lucerne Way beginning March 23^rd through April 3^rd.   

Smoke resulting from the pile burning will affect the surrounding areas for approximately 48-72 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.

We thank the community for your patience and understanding with the short-term smoke impacts, realizing that improving forest health and fire safety are the long-term benefits.

For further information, or to be added to the Fire District Smoke Sensitive Notification List, please call the Fire District at 775-831-0351, ext. 8106 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..