News  »  Wildfire Awareness Month in Lake Tahoe

Wildfire Awareness Month in Lake Tahoe

May 5th, 2026

May 5, 2026

Contact: Michelle McLean, mmclean@tahoercd.org

Wildfire Awareness Month in Lake Tahoe

Taking Action Together

Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev. – As May marks Wildfire Awareness Month, agencies and partners across the Lake Tahoe Basin are encouraging residents and visitors to take meaningful steps now to reduce wildfire risk before the season begins.

Building on the “Get Defensive” campaign, this year’s focus is on taking early, consistent action at home and across the community to strengthen wildfire resilience Basin-wide.

“Wildfire is a natural part of this landscape,” said Annabelle Monti, Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team Program Manager. “The work we do ahead of time helps protect lives, property, and the forests that make Tahoe home.”

The Lake Tahoe Basin’s forests and communities are closely connected, meaning wildfire risk is shared across everyone. Ongoing forest health projects are reducing risk across the landscape, but individual actions from homeowners remain a critical part of the solution.

What You Can Do

Residents are encouraged to take the following steps:

  • Maintain defensible space around structures (0-100 feet)
  • Reduce ember risks by keeping roofs, gutters, and vents clear
  • Prepare for evacuation, including knowing routes and having a plan
  • Sign up for emergency alerts to receive real-time information

“Prepared homes and neighborhoods make a difference,” said Isaac Powning, Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team Incident Commander. “When communities take action together, it strengthens our collective ability to live with wildfire.”

Sign up for Emergency Alerts

During a wildfire, conditions can change quickly. Emergency alerts provide critical, real-time information about evacuations and safety. To register, visit the link for your county:

Wildfire resilience in the Tahoe Basin depends on shared effort. From landscape-scale forest management to individual actions at home, each step contributes to a more prepared and resilient community.

Learn More

Residents can find resources, tips, and updates at: www.tahoelivingwithfire.com

Upcoming Events

There are many events occurring around the Tahoe Basin to recognize and support wildfire awareness:

  • 5/5, 6-7:30PM: Firewise Workshop Tahoe City
  • 5/6, 8-10:30AM: Cuppa Tahoe
  • 5/9, 9-11AM: Freel Perk Café
  • 5/12, 8:30-10:30AM, Clyde’s Coffee
  • 5/14, 9:30-11:30AM: Bearry Sweet
  • 5/16, 9-11AM: Tahoe House Bakery
  • 5/19, 3-5PM: Tahoma Market & Deli
  • 5/30, 10-2PM: Wildfire Safety Expo SLT
  • 5/31, 12-2PM: Aspen Hollow Nursery
  • 6/4, 8:30-1PM: Tahoe City Farmers Market
  • 6/6, 11-2PM: North Tahoe Community Day
  • 6/18, 11-1PM: Tree House Café

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