The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™)— to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful,” said Fire Marshal James. “If you hear a pop, see smoke, or notice fire — get out immediately and call 911. The gases are toxic, and a household extinguisher won’t stop it. Your safety comes first.”

Buy only listed products.

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

• Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly.

• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit https://www.call2recycle.org/ to find a recycling spot near you.

NLTFPD encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.”

Fire Prevention Week in Our Community

NLTFPD welcomed local elementary school students for fun and educational station tours. Students had the opportunity to step into our smoke trailer to learn how to safely exit a home during a fire and practice real-life fire safety tips alongside our crews. These interactive experiences reinforced lessons about home fire safety, family escape plans, and the importance of working smoke alarms.

“These hands-on activities allow our firefighters to connect directly with students,” said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “It’s about empowering kids — and by extension, their families — to take proactive steps toward safety.”

Traveling around Lake Tahoe means crossing invisible borders—one moment you’re in California, the next in Nevada. For residents and visitors accessing Lake Tahoe’s world-renowned outdoor recreation areas, the transition feels seamless, but behind the scenes, careful coordination is taking place.

The Tahoe Basin is managed by a network of overlapping jurisdictions, all of which play vital roles in caring for public lands, protecting the lake’s environment, and supporting the communities that surround it. To bring these voices together, the states of California and Nevada established the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) in 1969 through a bi-state compact, providing a framework for collaboration across the basin.

Through the Regional Plan and the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), TRPA works with partners at every level to advance projects that protect Tahoe’s natural resources while supporting outdoor recreation and community well-being.

One of the clearest examples of this partnership in action is Van Sickle Bi-State Park on Tahoe’s South Shore.

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/26/2025, Written by Victoria Mastrocola

Completion of a new access ramp is cause for celebration in Tahoe Meadows at the trailhead of Ophir Creek, with a ribbon cutting ceremony taking place to commemorate a milestone for accessibility in the Tahoe Basin.

Tahoe Fund partnered with the Tahoe Meadows Access Ramp Committee (TMAR) to bring improvements to Tahoe Meadows through a project that took six years to complete. 

Roberta Ross, one of the founding members of TMAR, noticed people out in Tahoe Meadows using canes and wheelchairs, and she couldn’t shake the thought of making the area more accessible. 

READ MORE >

Photo: Tahoe Fund

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/26/2025, Staff Report

The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) invites the community to celebrate 15 years of connecting people with the natural world during its anniversary celebration at Rubicon Pizza in Northstar Village on Monday, Nov. 3. 

Guests will enjoy live music, a raffle featuring local prizes, and an all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, and salad buffet for $25 for adults and $15 for kids. All proceeds from the evening will directly support TINS’ research, education, and conservation programs thanks to Rubicon Pizza’s generous donation. 

“This event is all about our amazing community,” said Will Richardson, TINS co-founder and executive director. “Our members, donors, partners, and friends have made TINS what it is today. This is a chance for us to celebrate with them and thank them for everything we’ve accomplished together.” 

READ MORE >

Photo: TINS

Originally published in the Sierra Sun, 10/26/2025, Tahoe Fund

With wet winter weather on the way, Take Care Tahoe is asking residents to bring in their “Take it Slow, Tahoe” yard signs for the season.

More than 1,200 signs were distributed earlier this year and proudly displayed in neighborhoods across the Basin, reminding everyone to take it slow and drive mindfully.

“We live in an incredible community, and the participation in this campaign has been inspiring,” said Jaclyn Tain, Outreach Coordinator for the Tahoe Fund. “As we requested earlier this year, we’re asking folks to be good stewards by storing their signs indoors for the winter and ensuring they don’t end up in the environment.”

READ MORE >

Originally Published in Moonshine Ink, 10/24/2025, Staff Brief

With the arrival of moisture, higher humidity, and winter weather conditions, outdoor burning is permissible in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Permits for open burning of pine needles, slash piles, and recreational fire pits are available Monday through Friday.

To schedule an inspection and obtain a permit visit the website for more information. Call (775) 831-0351 ext. 8107 for any questions.

Guidelines for open burning are:

READ MORE >

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) reminds residents that the 2025 Curbside Chipping Program will conclude on Tuesday, November 5, 2025.

As crews wrap up this year’s chipping operations, NLTFPD has observed many chip piles still sitting curbside throughout the community. The district encourages residents to submit an online request if they have not already done so to ensure their pile is scheduled for pickup before the season ends.

“Curbside chipping is an important tool in maintaining defensible space and reducing wildfire risk,” said Division Chief Powning. “We have seen a lot of participation this season, but there are still piles out there. We want to make sure no one misses their opportunity to be included before the program closes for the winter.”

How to Schedule Pickup

Residents must request pickup online through the official NLTFPD Curbside Chipping page:
? www.nltfpd.org/curbside-chipping

Program Guidelines

• Piles must be placed curbside and easily accessible
• Branches should be no larger than 6 inches in diameter
• Maximum pile size: 20 ft length × 6 ft height × 6 ft width
• No stumps, roots, garbage, nails, lumber, or pinecones
• Commercial piles are not accepted, these are piles created by a contractor or landscaping company, rather than by a homeowner
• Chips will be left on site for residents to use safely

The program typically completes requests within one week, but timing may vary depending on fire assignments or staffing availability.

Defensible Space Inspections (DSI)

Residents may schedule defensible space inspections by calling (775) 831-0351 ext. 8130 after October 30. Please note: inspections are subject to weather conditions.

Final Reminder

Residents have until Tuesday, November 5, 2025, to submit a chipping request. After that date, the program will pause for the winter season and resume in spring 2026.

For more information or to submit your request, please visit: www.nltfpd.org/curbside-chipping