Tracking Tahoe/Truckee’s Wildfire Preparation

June 12th, 2025

With a winter dialed in at 95% of normal snowpack as of press deadline, the dry days of 2025 are ahead. Folks, welcome to wildfire season.

The season typically starts in May each year, though Moonshine has quoted some people over the years talking about how the season is beginning to stretch on both ends beyond its traditionally recognized timeframe (May through November).

In this edition’s YATA, we take a look at which communities in our coverage area are “fire adapted,” meaning they’ve established such preparation efforts as packing go-bags, creating evacuation plans, and signing up for emergency alerts; and “Firewise,” a national program recognizing neighborhoods that have completed specific criteria as completing a wildfire risk assessment, 3-year action plan, and more. The two designations can be performed concurrently.

~ AH, Moonshine Ink

ROLL CALL, BASIN COUNT

How many fire-adapted and Firewise communities are there in the Tahoe Basin? What advice would you give to someone who is interested in their neighborhood becoming fire-adapted and/or Firewise?

The Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities is a program designed to help residents and visitors prepare for wildfire. This multi-agency and community collaboration helps residents in the Lake Tahoe Basin take individual action to collectively reduce their neighborhood’s risk from wildfire. The Tahoe Network is led by Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) in collaboration with local fire districts, University Nevada Cooperative Extension, and University California Cooperative Extension. The FAC program facilitates wildfire preparedness through focusing on the key concepts of defensible space, home hardening, emergency planning, and community education. The Tahoe RCD is very happy to see continued growth in the neighborhoods we work with.

Currently, in the Lake Tahoe Basin there are 88 active Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities (FAC). Sixty-one of those FAC are Firewise USA® recognized sites.

Neighborhood leaders are the cornerstone of the Tahoe Network. Supported by Tahoe RCD program staff, leaders organize their neighborhoods to encourage neighborhood-wide preparedness. Leaders are volunteers and are encouraged to work within their comfort levels and in a self-identified “neighborhood,” which might include entire neighborhoods or just a few blocks/homes.

If you are in the Lake Tahoe Basin and want to learn about becoming a neighborhood leader, contact the Fire Adapted Communities program coordinator: fire@tahoercd.org

For more information, please visit our page on the Tahoe RCD’s website:  tahoercd.specialdistrict.org/fire-adapted-communities-program

~ Jason Brand, Fire Adapted Communities Program Manager, Tahoe Resource Conservation District

A HANDFUL REMAIN

How many Firewise communities exist under your service area, and what neighborhoods need leaders?

INCLINE VILLAGE/CRYSTAL BAY

We have 11 fire-adapted community leaders and out of those communities three have become Firewise.

~ Ryan Dominguez, fuels prevention specialist, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District

TRUCKEE

There are 31 neighborhoods in the Truckee Fire Protection District that are recognized as Firewise communities. This equates to 85% of the district’s population and includes areas within the Town of Truckee, and both Nevada and Placer counties, which are both leading the nation in Firewise involvement. Residents of these neighborhoods have earned this designation by joining together to reduce wildfire risk and improve preparedness.

While most of our neighborhoods have already been designated as Firewise, there are still roughly 2,500 residents who are not within one of these neighborhoods. Becoming a Firewise community means taking action with your neighbors — setting wildfire safety goals, preparing for evacuations, and helping ensure your community is ready for fire season. Truckee Fire is proud to support this grassroots effort as we continue our mission to protect the lives, property, and environment of the residents and visitors to our home.

For more information on Firewise communities, including how to see if your neighborhood has achieved this amazing designation or how a neighborhood can become a Firewise community, and to find information regarding our upcoming ‘Virtual Office Hours,’ visit truckeefire.org/firewise.

~ Battalion Chief Ryan Ochoa, Truckee Fire Protection District

NORTH TAHOE

At least half the district [is fire-adapted]. We have 30 [neighborhoods] … We started with 16 [3 years ago]. We’re lacking in Kings Beach and Brockway [and] areas right outside Tahoe City. Tahoma’s going to get work done this year.

~ April Shackelford, forest fuels manager, North Tahoe Fire Protection District