Courtesy Tahoe Resource Conservation District
The Tahoe Resource Conservation District, a member of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, is encouraging homeowners and residents to participate in the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Community program. The initiative focuses on creating Fire Adapted Communities through a multifaceted approach that includes physical measures like home hardening and defensible space, as well as prevention, planning and education.
“Creating a Fire Adapted Community with your neighbors empowers property owners to play a role in changing the narrative around preventing property loss and increasing safety,” said Leona Allen, Fire Adapted Community and Firewise leader. “The process allows neighbors to enhance the health of their environment, protect our neighborhoods and build stronger community bonds.”
As a resident within the Lake Tahoe Basin, safeguarding your home against potential fire hazards is crucial. The program, facilitated by the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, operates on a neighborhood scale, coordinating efforts to prepare people and property for wildfire.
“This work to protect communities cannot be completed by local agencies and fire districts alone. Significant community engagement and volunteerism is crucial within Fire Adapted Communities,” said Michelle McLean, outreach coordinator for Tahoe Resource Conservation District.
Neighborhood leaders needed
Neighborhood leaders play a pivotal role in Fire Adapted Communities, rallying their neighbors to work together in preparing for wildfire, including:
- Distributing wildfire related educational materials,
- Planning a defensible space neighborhood workday,
- Preparing an evacuation plan,
- Organizing a home hardening day to create clear 0- to 5-foot ember resistant zones around houses; remove debris from roofs and under decks; enclose eaves; replace vents with 1/8-inch screening; replace the combustible portion of the fence near the home with a noncombustible section and more.
Individuals interested in becoming Neighborhood Leaders or learning more about the program can contact the outreach coordinator at fire@tahoercd.org or (530) 543-1501, ext. 114. | tahoercd.org
Read Tahoe Guide’s 4th Annual Wildfire Preparedness Guide
