Water purveyors around Lake Tahoe are reporting an alarming trend of residents leaving irrigation, garden hoses and sprinklers on roofs actively running when they evacuate their homes. Not only is this not helpful in protecting homes from wildfire, but it can be detrimental for firefighters who rely on a water supply with adequate water flow to fight fire in extremely dangerous conditions, according to a press release from North Tahoe Fire Protection District.
As a result, Lake Tahoe utility districts and water purveyors are experiencing a huge draw-down in water supplies and wells are pumping at maximum capacity throughout the area, even in evacuated areas that should be empty of residents. This can leave tanks dangerously low when firefighters need fast access to water from fire hydrants to protect homes.
Residents are also calling fire districts to ask if they should spray down roofs and vegetation before evacuating. This is not effective, as the roof will dry quickly, as will the vegetation, which doesn’t protect the home itself. Wide-scale activation of sprinklers and garden hoses dramatically reduces water pressure in the entire region. Evacuation preparedness efforts are better spent on removing combustible material away from homes. | Resources tahoelivingwithfire.com
