RED FLAG WARNING DECLARATION – VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER

Erin Holland - Public Information Officer - North Tahoe Fire –

holland@ntfire.net - 530-308-1158

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RED FLAG WARNING DECLARATION – VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER

Tahoe City, Calif. Sep. 17, 2020 – The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from 1:00 p.m. today until 11:00 p.m. PDT on Friday, September 18, 2020 forthe greater Lake Tahoe 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 withinthese Districts during the time period the Red Flag Warning is in effect (CF Code 307.1.1).

North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD) and Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (MBFPD) issue a Declaration to suspend all sources of outdoor open flame, including gas and LPG fire pits/grills and pellet grills/smokers. All sources of outdoor open flame are prohibited during these periods, including all outdoor propane (LPG) and Natural Gas fired appliances. The actual hours of Red Flag Warnings may vary by the specific atmospheric conditions; check the NOAA website or follow them on social media for the latest Red Flag timing. Ridge winds look to gust as high as 70-90 mph tonight into Friday morning along the crest of the Sierra. Humidity values will be lowest today, increasing into Friday.

Now is the time to ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel and is parked facing out, your devices are charged, your emergency go kit is current and within reach, and that your family and pets are prepared and ready to evacuate. Visit our website for information on Emergency and Evacuation Preparedness. For additional information on how to make your home more resilient to wildfire, visit
www.tahoelivingwithfire.com.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno issues Red Flag Warnings to alert Tahoe Basin land management agencies about the onset, or possible onset of critical weather and fuel moisture conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. This could be due to low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels or any combination thereof. A Red Flag Warning is issued when the above conditions are expected to be met within the next 24 hours.

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