RED FLAG WARNING DECLARATION – VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER

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

Tahoe City, Calif. August 16, 2021 – The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 for the greater Lake Tahoe/Truckee 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. The combination of dry fuels, gusty winds of 35-45mph, and low humidity can cause fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them. 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/Truckee Region (CA Zone 272 includes all of the Tahoe Basin).

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 or already loaded, 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.