Wildfire info & resources
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Smoke has been choking the Tahoe Sierra for weeks now, made even worse by new wildfires that have started in California, including the too-close-for comfort Caldor Fire. As we sent this issue to press on Aug. 27, evacuation warnings had been extended into the Lake Tahoe Basin at Christmas Valley and stretching from Twin Bridges (home to Sierra-at-Tahoe ski area) and Echo Summit along Highway 50 to areas along Highways 89 and 88 into Alpine County and toward Kirkwood.
I hope for the best, but those of us that live in the West know the new reality of climate change is that wildfires are burning longer and more frequently, and more homes and businesses are in danger. As I write this, there are 17 active wildfires in California alone, with the Dixie Fire that started on July 14 to our north still less than 50 percent contained.
So, what do we do? First, be prepared for the potential for an evacuation at any time (and that could mean with only minutes notice). Prepare a Go Bag for everyone in your family including your pets and use the Evacuation Checklist in this edition to help prepare. I started our “Preparing for a Wildfire” series in our last edition of Tahoe Weekly with a detailed checklist to help prepare your Go Bag. In this edition, find tips to help prepare your family, your car and your home for evacuation.
I’ll be committing resources in each of our editions through September with valuable easy-to-use tips and checklists to help prepare you, your family and your home in case you need to evacuate along with wildfire preparation and prevention measures you can take now. Tear out these checklists to use at home. You can also download them or print them from our free digital edition at issuu.com/TheTahoeWeekly.
I want to thank our sponsors for supporting our wildfire series – Truckee Tahoe Airport, Visit Carson Valley, Truckee Fire Protection District and UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center. Their support helps to offset our costs to provide this invaluable service to our readers.
Stay safe, follow local fire restrictions and be prepared.
Expect changing conditions
Fire danger and poor air quality from the smoke has forced the closure of many federal, state and local trails and parks. Forest Service closures are active until Sept. 6; but could be extended. Boat inspections had been suspended as we went to press and some boat ramps were closed or operating on reduced schedules. As well, some local events have been cancelled or rescheduled. Check conditions and schedules before making any plans and expect conditions to change.
We have great features in this edition from Tim Hauserman on the recently completed Lily Lake trail and from Priya Hutner on some of her favorite easy mountain bike trails for you to enjoy. But we ask that you make plans to visit these trails and other areas only when recreation areas reopen and when air quality conditions improve. Nothing is more important than your health and safety.
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