Submitted by NLTFPD

As summer arrives in the Tahoe Basin and wildfire danger increases, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) reminds residents and visitors that seasonal fire restrictions are in effect to help reduce the risk of wildfire and protect our community.

Fire Restrictions Now in Effect

Open Burning Prohibited
Seasonal open burning of wood, slash, pine needles, and other vegetative debris is closed for the season.

Recreational Fires
Recreational wood or charcoal fires are allowed only with a valid recreational fire permit and must:

• Be contained within a non-combustible fire pit or container.
• Be equipped with a 1/8-inch mesh spark screen.

Important: Recreational fires are not permitted at short-term rental properties.

Gas and Propane Fire Pits
Gas and propane fire pits are permitted with a valid recreational fire permit.

Barbecues and Smokers
Propane, natural gas, charcoal, pellet grills, and smokers are allowed and must be operated in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

Outdoor cooking equipment can pose a risk if not used properly. NLTFPD encourages residents and visitors to follow these important safety practices:

General Grill Safety

• Use grills outdoors only. Never use grills inside homes, garages, tents, or other enclosed spaces.
• Keep grills away from structures, decks, eaves, and overhanging vegetation.
• Maintain a minimum three-foot safety zone around grills for children and pets.
• Regularly clean grease and fat buildup from grills and drip trays.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Always open the grill lid before lighting a gas grill.

Charcoal Grill Safety

• Do not place charcoal grills on combustible surfaces.
• Use a chimney starter or approved charcoal starter fluid only.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire.
• Store starter fluid away from heat sources and out of reach of children.
• Allow coals and ashes to cool completely before disposal.

Residents with wood-burning appliances may obtain a free ash can from NLTFPD. Applications are available at the NLTFPD Administration Office located at 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village.

Propane Grill Safety

• Inspect hoses and connections regularly for leaks using a soap-and-water solution.
• If bubbles appear, turn off the gas immediately and discontinue use until repairs are made.
• If you smell gas while cooking, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn off the gas and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting.

Red Flag Warning Restrictions

• During Red Flag Warning conditions, all forms of open flame are prohibited, including recreational fires and other permitted open-flame activities.
• Please note that fire restrictions may differ on federal lands. Visitors should check with the appropriate land management agency before conducting any fire-related activity.

For the latest fire restriction information, permit requirements, and online permit applications, visit:

www.nltfpd.org/outdoor-burning

NLTFPD appreciates the community’s cooperation in helping reduce wildfire risk and protect the Lake Tahoe Basin during the summer fire season.

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/15/2026, Staff Report

Over the past 15 months, the Nevada Division of State Parks (NDSP) has been working to develop a new Master Plan for Spooner Lake and Backcountry State Park. NDSP is pleased to announce that a draft Master Plan is now available for public review and will host a public input workshop at the park on Thursday, June 18, to gather feedback on the plan.

The purpose of this workshop is to provide the public with an opportunity to review proposed projects and help shape the future of Spooner Lake and Backcountry State Park. Attendees are invited to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns through interactive planning materials.

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Photo: TDT

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 6/12/2026, Staff Report

The Incline Village Community Hospital Foundation is proud to announce a transformational $1 million gift from the Offerdahl Family Foundation in support of the Surgery Enhancement Project at Incline Village Community Hospital (IVCH). This extraordinary contribution, made possible through the generosity and leadership of Richard and Linda Offerdahl, helped the Foundation successfully reach its $10 million fundraising goal.

The Surgery Enhancement Project will improve operational efficiency at IVCH, modernize critical infrastructure, enhance clinical and support spaces, and ensure the hospital is well-positioned to meet current and future community needs. The project will also include the addition of a new patient registration window designed to improve patient flow, increase comfort, and help alleviate pressures created by growing patient volumes.

In recognition of their extraordinary generosity and longstanding commitment to the community, the Incline Village Community Hospital Foundation is honored to name the Patient Registration area after the Offerdahl Family.

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Originally published with Tahoe.com, 6/11/2026, Written by Kirsten Alexis

Modern life moves at the speed of notifications, and they’re always on. Everything is on demand and on the go, expecting us to plug in and stay accessible around the clock. We’ve adapted to sensory overload and await the next notification, update and distraction. While technological advances have made our lives more convenient, they have also drastically changed the way we act. In many ways, we have become so reliant on our devices that we have made it hard to unplug and get the reset our nervous system needs.

As technology continues to advance, more people are seeking place where they can experience a true digital detox, places where they can slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.

One of those places is Lake Tahoe. Nestled in the snow-capped Sierra, Lake Tahoe offers something beyond the smell of fresh pines and an iconic sparkling blue lake. The area offers plentiful chances to reset and repair yourself with the aid of nature, adventure and a community focused on wellness.

Wellness is more than part of a daily routine. It’s a way of life, deeply embedded in the soul of the community and natural surroundings. Finding balance comes naturally here; when you’re surrounded by forests and have easy access to alpine lakes, you’re drawn to the outside world for connection and restoration.

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Originally published in Moonshine Ink, 06/11/2026, Written by Addison Wingate

The latest environmental controversy in Tahoe isn’t a development project, a wildfire, or a fight over lake clarity.

It’s a weed killer.

A proposal to use glyphosate in portions of the Caldor Fire burn scar has triggered mounting concern among residents and environmental advocates, opening a broader conversation about the herbicide’s health risks, ecological impacts, and growing presence throughout the region.

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Photo: Moonshine Ink