Media Release Governing Board Wildfire Resolution
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV—The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board adopted a resolution supporting the 2013 Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Week and gave special recognition to the efforts of the Tahoe Basin Fire Chiefs at its meeting today in Incline Village, NV.
Wildfire Awareness Week is held in the spring each year to help remind homeowners that they are the key to keeping communities safe. Homeowners can substantially reduce the wildfire risk to their homes and communities by creating defensible space and reducing the fuels around their homes,, according to TRPA Partnerships and Communications Officer Kristi Boosman.
“TRPA considers wildfire a significant threat to lives and property as well as our economy and environment,” Boosman said. “Our Governing Board wants to recognize the significant efforts going throughout the Tahoe Basin to manage the threat we face by living in natural fire zone.”
Equally important to defensible space, Lake Tahoe Basin agencies are taking coordinated action to reduce wildland fuels to help protect homes and communities. The fire chiefs that were recognized by the TRPA Board are:
- North Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Mike Brown
- North Tahoe Fire Chief Mike Schwartz
- Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief Ben Sharit
- City South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Bruce Martin
- Forest Service TMU Chief Kit Bailey
- CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Mike Webb
- CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Troy Adamson
- CAL FIRE Division Chief Mary Huggins
2013 Wildfire Awareness Week kicks off this Saturday May 25 with a pancake breakfast and family-friendly event at Montbleu Resort in Stateline, Nevada. With a dry summer ahead, fire agencies are reminding everyone that fuel reduction is not a “bunch of hot air,” and, weather permitting, will offer free, tethered hot air balloon rides in the Smokey Bear balloon. Passengers will see the effects of recent wildfires as well as views of beautiful Lake Tahoe, according to event organizers.
Tahoe residents are encouraged to visit LivingWithFire.info/Tahoe or call (530) 542-2571 for more information on Wildfire Awareness Week as well as defensible space recommendations around homes and businesses.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency cooperatively leads the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region now and in the future. For additional information, call Jeff Cowen at (775) 589-5278 or email him at jcowen@trpa.gov.
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