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.
Facts & figures from National Fire Protection Association:
For more information on lightning safety please visit www.nfpa.org.
Learn How to Harden Your Home Against Wildfire
Contact: Carlie Murphy, Tahoe RCD, 530-543-1501 x114, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – With our wildfire year underway at Lake Tahoe, it’s critical for residents to prepare their homes for wildfire. One of the most effective ways residents can prepare their homes is by implementing home hardening techniques and maintaining effective defensible space.
To help residents learn how to harden their homes, the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities, in collaboration with the University of Nevada and California Cooperative Extensions and CAL FIRE, are hosting a free virtual workshop on July 28th from 5:30-7 p.m. PST. The workshop is free and open to the public, but attendees must pre-register using the link below.
Date: July 28, 2020 | 5:30-7 p.m. PST
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.
Contact: University of Nevada, Reno Extension Jamie Roice-Gomes, (775) 336-0261 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.
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.
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.
Summer is here and as we are all excited to spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine and beautiful Lake Tahoe. With that, now is a perfect time to review water safety tips specific to the lake.
We all know the temperature of Lake Tahoe is a bit colder than most since it is an Alpine lake. Currently the lake temperature is 50 degrees. Whether boating, jet skiing, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding or swimming, it is important to inform yourself about the colder temperatures of Lake Tahoe and how it can affect you. It is also a good idea to check the red flag warning status.
As the winter run off continues to melt and makes its way to the lake, the water temperatures will fluctuate between 50 – 70 degrees June through September. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, because of this; the temperatures remain lower than most lakes in our region year-round.
North Lake Tahoe Fire personnel respond to numerous water emergencies on the lake not just during the summer months but throughout the year. We encourage everyone to please review the following safety precautions before recreating on Lake Tahoe.
BOAT SAFE: PREPARE FOR COLD WATER AT LAKE TAHOE
Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev. – Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) member, California State Parks, is planning to conduct an understory burn in Sugar Pine Point State Park beginning Monday, June 1, 2020, 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 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.
Each prescribed fire operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation and conditions for the dispersal of smoke. All of this information is used to decide when and where to burn.
Prescribed fire operations are conducted whenever weather, conditions and staffing allow to reduce excess vegetation that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Planned fires now reduce the threat of unplanned fires later, which helps provide increased community protection. Fire is a natural process in the Sierra Nevada and helps keep our forests healthy by minimizing the spread of insects and disease, recycling nutrients back into the soil and promoting improved habitat for diverse vegetation and wildlife.
Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size and environmental conditions. Prescribed fire smoke is generally less intense and of much shorter duration than smoke produced by unwanted wildland fires.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, wildfire season is upon us and now is the time to prepare your home, family, and community. As the weather trends warmer and we prepare for wildfire season, fire districts and agency partners are tasked with adding an additional layer of safety preparations. Our preparations for defensible space inspections and emergency responses incorporate federal, state, and local pandemic guidelines.
Guidelines fire districts will follow include daily wellness checks, wearing additional (and providing extra) personal protective equipment, minimizing access to and from our respective locations, exercising social distancing, and staggering our shifts to minimize exposure. These practices are being followed and monitored daily at our workplaces and will be similarly implemented on fire incidents. During fire incidents, large fire camps are being replaced with smaller camp groups to ensure that proper social distancing is being implemented. Remote incident command posts may be utilized, and daily briefings will be conducted with limited essential personnel. These preventative measures will help to reduce exposure and keep our personnel and communities as safe as possible.
Fire district staff will be in many neighborhoods conducting defensible space inspections, and will continue to provide information about preparing for wildfire. Getting prepared now is necessary to improve the odds of wildfire survival and being prepared starts with making your house fire safe. Wildfire knows no boundaries. Make yours.
We understand the COVID-19 challenges and will work with you. Contact your local fire district to learn what services they offer, including free curbside chipping and defensible space inspections. Visit Tahoe Living With Fire for more tips and resources, including information on forest management projects in your area, and virtual events from the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities.
Please do your part and follow the recommended guidelines by CDC and your local Health District with regards to COVID-19 and help us by preparing for wildfire now.
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.
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.
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:
We are updating our Newsroom 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:
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:
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 23rd through April 3rd.
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..
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 23rd through April 3rd.
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..
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 Newsroom page daily with updates from Washoe County Health District.
Useful websites:
The following is a slope-specific avalanche danger forecast for the avalanche terrain above Lakeview Ave, Tuscarora Rd, and Teresa Ct in Crystal Bay, Nevada; and the terrain above upper Jennifer St, Sutro, Bidwell, Lunar, and Mercury Courts in the Third Creek drainage (below Rose Knob Peak and environs) in Incline Village, Nevada. This danger forecast is intended for use by residents and motorists and may differ considerably from the general backcountry avalanche forecast. This forecast is not intended as a resource or risk management tool for backcountry travelers. Backcountry travelers are strongly advised to refrain from any activity on or around these slopes. Activity on these slopes could subject residents, motorists, and infrastructure below to serious danger.
Avalanche information for Lake Tahoe backcountry travelers can be found at sierraavalanchecenter.org.
HEIGHTENED AVALANCHE AWARENESS
Crystal Bay
The last 50 hours snowfall has covered the anchors and terrain roughness of the avalanche paths above the Crystal Bay neighborhoods. This is the first time avalanche potential has increased since early January of this year. Any additional snowfall or wind-deposited snow will raise the threat of avalanche release. This advisory is a reminder to remain diligent. An avalanche of virtually any size is large compared to a human, and they all can produce significant forces, especially in confined or complex terrain. Though the first day of Spring is this coming Thursday, the last weeks of March have historically produced the largest snowstorms on record in the Sierra Nevada. The snow season is not over!
