Red Flag Warning Declaration - Very High Fire Danger

October 25th, 2020

Erin Holland - Public Information Officer - North Tahoe Fire – holland@ntfire.net - 530-308-1158

Update: The National Weather Service extended the Red Flag Warning that was scheduled to expire at 5PM on Oct. 26. The Warning is now in effect until noon on Oct. 27.

Tahoe City, Calif. Oct.25, 2020 – The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from 5:00 p.m. Sunday until 5:00 p.m. PDT on Monday, October 26, 2020 for the 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 within these 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. While the temperatures are turning much colder, as low as teens Sunday-Tuesday morning, the combination of gusty winds and low humidity create critical fire weather conditions for the Basin. This weather event is forecast to be the strongest wind event of the season, with E-NE ridge winds gusting as high as 80+ mph along the crest of the Sierra.
Fire restrictions apply to outdoor fires; interior fires for home heating are not restricted.

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, practiced 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. The actual hours of Red Flag Warnings may vary by the specific atmospheric conditions; check the NOAA website or follow the National Weather Service in Reno on social media for the latest Red Flag timing in the Tahoe Basin.