Featured Program of the Month- Fire Adapted Communities

Community Building: Nine Years of Supporting Fire Adapted Communities in the Tahoe Basin

Wildfires are increasing in intensity across California, reminding us that preparation and collaboration are essential to living with fire. Since 2017, the Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) Program at Tahoe RCD supported by the Bureau of Land Management, has worked alongside Tahoe Basin communities to reduce wildfire risk.  

Two women in bright vests stand smiling in a wooded area with vehicles and people in the background on a sunny day.
Fire Adapted Community leaders organize a neighborhood defensible space cleanup day with support from local fire districts.

Our Mission: Supporting Communities to Reduce Wildfire Risk
Longer fire seasons, drought, and dense forests make wildfire preparedness critical. In partnership with our six local fire districts, the program focuses on:

  • Community Connection: Building relationships with and between neighborhoods to organize, share          information, and reduce wildfire risk.
  • Innovation: Researching and promoting defensible space, home hardening strategies, and practical ways communities can protect their homes.
  • Outreach: Providing education, workshops, and resources that equip residents to prepare their homes and neighborhoods.
A child with colorful spiky hair is joyfully sifting materials in a bowl while indoors, surrounded by people.
6th graders from South Tahoe Middle School take part in an activity showing how embers can enter homes through vents.

Collaboration
Protecting communities from wildfire requires strong partnerships and coordinated action.

Key partners include:

  • Local fire districts: Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, North Tahoe Fire Protection District, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Fallen Leaf Lake Fire Department
  • Federal and state partners: US Forest Service - LTBMU, California Tahoe Conservancy, CAL FIRE, Bureau of Land Management
  • Education partners: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (Living with Fire), University of California Master Gardener Program

Proudest Achievement

The FAC Program has become a trusted source of wildfire preparedness and guidance, now supporting 115 Fire Adapted Communities across the Tahoe Basin. By translating wildfire science into practical guidance, the program helps neighborhoods make informed decisions and take meaningful steps towards long-term resilience.

Kids gather around a table, engaging with a model landscape while adults assist in an educational setting.
Cricket Baldwin, Wildfire Resiliency Fellow, teaches 3rd graders in the Tahoe Basin about defensible space and wildfire safety

How You Can Help

Residents play a vital role in community wildfire preparedness:

 Keep It Clean: Remove flammable materials within five feet of your home's perimeter to reduce the chance that embers ignite your home.

 Harden Your Home: Upgrade vent screens and modify fencing to improve wildfire resistance.

 Get Involved: Join your local FAC group or attend workshops to strengthen your neighborhood preparedness.

Learn more at https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com

Contact us directly at fire@tahoercd.org

JOIN us for the Tahoe Douglas Fire and Family Day at Kahle Community Center, Saturday June 27th, 10-2pm

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