We are incredibly grateful for the firefighters and first responders who work to keep the region safe. The health and safety of our residents, communities, local businesses and visitors is our highest priority. Our hearts and thoughts go out to everyone affected by the fires of 2021.

Travelers coming to North Lake Tahoe should always be prepared:
  • Be sure to keep a full tank of gas and emergency provisions on hand;
  • Before traveling, research areas on your itinerary;
  • Consult local weather and air quality forecasts;
  • Refer to official sources for current information and facts, and visit the Know Before You Go page.

SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS:

Sign up for local emergency alerts on your cell phone and devices once you arrive so you can stay on top of any wildfire issues and recommendations if they arise.

Placer County Notifications via Placer Alert
Washoe County Notifications via CodeRED
Nevada County Notifications via CodeRED
El Dorado County Notifications via CodeRED

WILDFIRE INFORMATION & RESOURCES:

First and foremost, no possession is worth your life so evacuate as soon as possible if ordered to do so!

The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team, a basin wide collaboration, have created the website www.TahoeLivingWithFire.com, which is a site dedicated to helping Lake Tahoe residents and visitors prepare for wildfire.  It includes information on Getting Prepared, Getting Informed and Getting Involved.

Here are some additional resources on evacuation guides specific to the Lake Tahoe region:

FIRE SAFETY AND HEALTH TIPS DURING YOUR VISIT:

To ensure your safety while visiting North Lake Tahoe communities, listed below are a number of resources and protocols to reference during your stay. Be prepared and have a plan with all in your party. Should North Lake Tahoe be directly impacted by a wildfire incident, our goal is to provide you with the information needed to remain safe.

LEARN MORE: WWW.READYFORWILDFIRE.ORG

Stay informed on regional fire season restrictions during the summer and fall months.  These restrictions set guidelines on permissible and restricted fire generating pieces of equipment in regards to open flames.

Be aware that the region is regularly under fire “red flag” warnings throughout the summer and fall seasons. A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion, and rapid spread.  A warning is issued for weather events that may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours and could exist for the next 12 – 72 hours.  When these conditions are in effect, everyone within the region must adhere to stringent restrictions and help minimize the chance of a fire beginning.  On “red flag” days, all forms of open flames are prohibited, including campfires.  Keep an eye out for red flags in front of businesses, fire stations, and in visible locations throughout the region to notify everyone that a red flag warning has been issued.

PROTECT YOUR HEALTH DURING A WILDFIRE:

Smoke from wildfires across California and Nevada carry tiny particles that can damage the lungs, especially for those with existing respiratory conditions. If there is smoke in the North Tahoe region during your visit, consider the Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading outside.  When conditions are above 100, public health officials and air quality experts begin to recommend staying indoors and limiting outdoor exertion.

For people who want to visit North Lake Tahoe and recreate outside, the current virus situation and the sometimes hazardous air from wildfires raise questions about what protection to use, and when. Here’s what the California Department of Public Health advises:

  • Cloth masks and surgical masks do not protect the wearer from fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke.
  • Wear an N95 respirator if you need to be outdoors in smoky air for an extended period of time.

Other considerations:

  • N95 respirators provide protection from both wildfire smoke and viral particles.
  • N95 respirator masks must be properly fitted to be effective, and don’t usually work on people with facial hair.
  • People with lung or heart conditions should consult their doctor before using an N95 mask, which can make breathing more difficult.
  • Masks with one-way vents can reduce inhalation of smoke particles for the wearer.
  • Children, pregnant women, older adults and people with heart and lung problems are especially susceptible to smoky air.

The best way to protect yourself from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors.

HERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN HELP:

  • Support the regional ALERTWildfire program by donating or volunteering.
  • Donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: Due to COVID, fire evacuees are going into hotels rather than shelters, but they are running out of rooms. You can also donate rewards points to the Red Cross to help.
  • Donate to a Community Foundation: Community foundations get resources to local NGOs that support both the immediate relief work and the longer term recovery for families that have lost homes and businesses. Under the “relief fund” tab in the above link is a list of vetted community foundations and organizations that are supporting local recovery efforts.
  • Check Fire Evacuee for the free Open Homes service provided by AirBNB for those in the region.
  • Take the Traveler Responsibility Pledge and commit to staying informed and doing your part to protect the region.
If you would like to learn more about some of the history of wildfire, impacts of climate change and the State’s fire mitigation strategy, Learn more HERE!