June 2026 Newsletter

Summer in Tahoe has arrived!

A scenic view of a lake surrounded by forested mountains, clear blue skies, and rocky terrain in the foreground.
View of Lake Tahoe from Emerald Bay Tract

In order to enjoy the beautiful weather and fun times to be had, we need to be wildfire prepared. The good thing is, there are resources to help develop a plan and proven methods to protect our homes from wildfire.

Ember resistance is key

Studies show that combining home hardening retrofits with fire defensible space significantly improves a home's wildfire resiliency. Below is an excerpt from the recent Tahoe Living With Fire article, "What wildfire research tells us about pairing home hardening and defensible space". 

The image illustrates the process of firebrand transport and ignition, showing key stages from generation to landing and ignition.
The figure above displays how firebrand (ember) behavior causes spot fires (Gellerman & Chien, 2023). 

Wildfire research has recognized embers as one of the major causes of loss of residential structures in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) communities (Nazare et al., 2021). Another study with the National Institute of Standards and Technology discovered that during fires in the WUI, most structures are bombarded by ember showers (Manzello et al., 2002). These findings, and more, have shown how effective it is to make improvements (or retrofits) to homes to improve their ember resistance. 

Read more at Tahoelivingwithfire.com.

Preparing for evacuation

If wildfire comes too close, we also need to be prepared to safely evacate. Go through the Evacuation Checklist and read through the guidelines below to make sure you and your family are ready for wildfire.

WHEN A FIRE OR EMERGENCY STARTS 

Unified Command is established quickly between Fire, Sheriff, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Managers. Agencies assess threat level, weather, road conditions, and number of people impacted. 

SUGGESTION:  Fire, law enforcement and emergency management agencies quickly establish a collaborative command organization to ensure cohesive control of the incident. Agencies assess threat level, weather, road conditions, and volume of people impacted. 

The public may be issued: 

🔶 Evacuation Warning — potential threat: prepare to leave. 

🔴 Evacuation Order — immediate danger: leave NOW. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN EVACUATION? 

Law enforcement initiates evacuations, including: 

Door-to-door checks 

Amplified announcements in neighborhoods 

Sirens and patrol vehicles 

Reverse 911 or emergency alert systems 

✅ Emergency vehicles will patrol affected areas to issue evacuation orders and help direct traffic. 

✅ Traffic control points will guide you to safe routes. Some areas may have one-way traffic or road closures. 

✅ Temporary Refuge Areas (TRAs) may be designated only by fire or law agencies if routes are blocked. 

✅ Public shelters and evacuation centers will be established — locations will be announced via local alerts. 

✅ Hospitals, schools, and care facilities have their own evacuation plans, coordinated with county agencies. 

 

    Kings Beach is becoming Firewise and seeking leaders to join the initiative, supported by the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities.

    Kings Beach needs leaders to start their Firewise journey! Help us make this neighborhood fire adapted by sharing the message. Interested Kings Beach residents can contact mmclean@tahoercd.org. 

    Get involved today by joining your Fire Adapted Community, attending an upcoming event or webinar, volunteering at a neighborhood work day, or taking steps to create defensible space around your home. Together, we can take proactive steps today to protect our homes, neighborhoods, and the Tahoe Basin for years to come.

    Upcoming Events

    • Kings Beach Music on the Beach | Friday, July 17th , 6-8:30pm
    • Tahoe Summit | Wednesday, August 19th, 10am-12pm 
    Neighborhood Meetings & Workdays 
    • Fallen Leaf Workday | Sunday, June 28th and Thursday, July 2nd  
    • Lower Washoan Workday | Saturday, July 11th 
    • 14th Green Street| Sunday, July 12th 
    • Mill Creek | Wednesday, July 22nd 
    • Tahoma Grid | Saturday, July 25th  
    • Fallen Leaf Workday | Saturday, August 1st 

    Additional Resources

     

    The image features three logos: Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities, and Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team.

     

    Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities

    tahoelivingwithfire.com | 530-543-1501 ext. 114 | fire@tahoercd.org

     

    The image features the logo of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, representing public lands.

    This project was funded due to the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act, which authorized the sale of BLM administered federal lands within a designated boundary in the Las Vegas Valley and required proceeds to be used on projects to fund federal, state and local projects that benefit communities and public lands.

     

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