Incline Village, NV — As families across Incline Village and Crystal Bay prepare for Thanksgiving, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is reminding the community to keep safety at the forefront—especially in the kitchen, where holiday activity is at its peak.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. Many of these incidents can be prevented with simple safety precautions.

Top Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips

Drawing from NFPA’s recommended best practices, NLTFPD encourages residents to follow these guidelines:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop to keep an eye on food.
• Remain at home when roasting your turkey, checking it frequently.
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove and hot food or liquids that could cause burns.
• Clear the area of toys, pocketbooks, and bags to avoid tripping hazards.
• Keep sharp objects out of reach of children.
• Ensure electric cords from appliances are secured and not dangling off counters.
• Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach, ideally locked away.
• Never leave children unattended in a room with a lit candle.
• Test smoke alarms before cooking to make sure they are functioning properly.

Engage Kids Safely

Incline Village, NV — A medida que el clima se enfría en la Cuenca del Lago Tahoe, el Distrito de Protección contra Incendios de North Lake Tahoe (NLTFPD) recuerda a los residentes la importancia de tomar precauciones adicionales al utilizar calentadores portátiles y otros equipos de calefacción en el hogar. Los equipos de calefacción continúan siendo una de las principales causas de incendios residenciales durante los meses de otoño e invierno, y los calentadores eléctricos portátiles representan un riesgo significativo cuando no se usan correctamente.

Según datos nacionales, dos de cada cinco muertes relacionadas con incendios causados por calentadores involucran calentadores eléctricos portátiles. A medida que más hogares utilizan estos equipos para calentar habitaciones individuales, NLTFPD alienta a los miembros de la comunidad a seguir pasos esenciales de seguridad para prevenir incendios, lesiones y pérdidas materiales.

Uso Seguro de Calentadores Eléctricos Portátiles

Para reducir el riesgo de incendios relacionados con equipos de calefacción, NLTFPD recomienda las siguientes prácticas de seguridad:

• Use solo equipos certificados: Asegúrese de que el calentador tenga el sello de un laboratorio de pruebas reconocido.
• Mantenga la “regla de los 3 pies”: Coloque los calentadores al menos a tres pies (un metro) de cualquier objeto que pueda incendiarse, incluyendo muebles, cortinas, y ropa de cama.
• Busque funciones de seguridad: Use calentadores con termostato, protección contra sobrecalentamiento y apagado automático en caso de caída.
• Colóquelos en superficies estables: Ubique los calentadores sobre superficies planas y sólidas, lejos del paso de personas y sin obstruir salidas.
• Evite cables de extensión: Conecte los calentadores directamente a un tomacorriente de pared para evitar sobrecargas o riesgos eléctricos.
• Desconecte cuando no esté presente: Apague y desconecte el calentador al salir de la habitación o antes de dormir.
• Mantenga alejados a niños y mascotas: Asegúrese que se mantengan a una distancia segura del equipo.

Tipos de Calentadores Portátiles

Incline Village, NV — As colder weather settles into the Lake Tahoe Basin, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is urging residents to take extra precautions when using portable space heaters and other home-heating devices. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during fall and winter months, and portable electric space heaters present a particular risk when not used properly.

According to national fire data, two out of five deaths in space heater–related fires involve portable electric heaters. With more households turning to space heaters to warm individual rooms, NLTFPD encourages community members to follow essential safety steps to help prevent fires, injuries, and property loss.

Safe Use of Portable Electric Heaters

To reduce the risk of heating-related fires, NLTFPD recommends these important safety practices:

• Choose certified equipment: Use only heaters that carry the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
• Maintain a “3-foot rule”: Keep heaters at least three feet (one meter) away from anything that can burn—including furniture, bedding, curtains, and clothing.
• Use built-in safety features: Select heaters equipped with a thermostat, overheat protection, and automatic shut-off if the unit tips over.
• Place on stable surfaces: Set heaters on flat, solid surfaces where they cannot be easily knocked over or block an exit.
• Avoid extension cords: Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet to prevent overheating and electrical hazards.
• Unplug when unattended: Turn off and unplug heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep children clear: Ensure children and pets remain at a safe distance from heating equipment at all times.

 Types of Space Heaters

Incline Village, NV — El Distrito de Protección Contra Incendios del Norte del Lago Tahoe (NLTFPD) se ha unido a la National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®)—patrocinadora oficial de la Semana de Prevención de Incendios (SPI) para promover la campaña de la SPI de este año, "Conéctate a la seguridad contra incendios™: Baterías de ion de litio en tu casa”. La campaña destaca lo importante que es comprar, cargar y reciclar baterías de ion de litio de forma segura.

La mayoría de los aparatos electrónicos que usamos en casa cada día—teléfonos inteligentes, tabletas, herramientas eléctricas y de jardinería, ordenadores portátiles, cigarrillos electrónicos, auriculares y juguetes, por nombrar sólo algunos—funcionan con baterías de ion de litio. De hecho, casi todo lo que es recargable usa este tipo de baterías.

Si no se usan correctamente o si están dañadas, las baterías de ion de litio pueden sobrecalentarse, provocar un incendio o incluso explotar. Para reducir estos riesgos, echa un vistazo a tu casa: es importante saber qué dispositivos funcionan con ellas. “Las baterías de iones de litio son potentes,” dijo el Jefe de Prevención James. “Si escuchas un estallido, ves humo o fuego, sal de inmediato y llama al 911. Los gases son tóxicos y un extintor común no lo detendrá. Tu seguridad es lo primero.”

Compra sólo productos listados.

• Cuando compres un producto que use una batería de ion de litio, tómate tu tiempo para investigarlo. Busca un sello de un laboratorio de pruebas reconocido a nivel nacional en el envase y en el producto, lo que significa que cumple importantes normas de seguridad.
• Muchos productos que se venden por Internet y en tiendas pueden no cumplir las normas de seguridad y aumentar el riesgo de incendio.

Carga los dispositivos de forma segura.

Incline Village, NV — 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.

Incline Village, NV — El Distrito de Protección Contra Incendios del Norte del Lago Tahoe (NLTFPD) recuerda a los residentes que el Programa de Astillado en la Acera 2025 concluirá el martes 5 de noviembre de 2025.

A medida que las cuadrillas finalizan las operaciones de astillado de este año, el NLTFPD ha observado muchas pilas de ramas aún colocadas junto a la acera en la comunidad. El distrito alienta a los residentes a enviar una solicitud en línea si aún no lo han hecho, para asegurarse de que su pila esté programada para recolección antes de que termine la temporada.

“El astillado en la acera es una herramienta importante para mantener el espacio defendible y reducir el riesgo de incendios forestales”, dijo el Jefe de División Powning. “Hemos visto mucha participación esta temporada, pero aún hay pilas pendientes. Queremos asegurarnos de que nadie pierda la oportunidad de ser incluido antes de que el programa cierre por el invierno.”

Cómo Programar la Recolección

Los residentes deben solicitar la recolección en línea a través de la página oficial del Programa de Astillado en la Acera del NLTFPD:
🔗 www.nltfpd.org/curbside-chipping

Incline Village, NV — 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

Incline Village, NV - With the arrival of moisture, higher humidity, and winter weather conditions, effective Friday, October 17, 2025, outdoor burning is permissible in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, NV.

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 our website for more information. If you have any questions, please call 775-831-0351 ext. 8107.

  Guidelines for open burning are:

• Permit is valid for open burning only at the address listed and only for materials authorized
• Permit holder shall visit www.nltfpd.org prior to any burning activity to determine if it is an approved Burn Day
• No open burning is permitted on No Burn Days as determined by the Fire District
• Open burning starts at 6:00 a.m. and all piles must be extinguished by 3:00 p.m.
• Provide a thirty-minute fire watch after extinguishing any fire
• Have a charged garden hose and hand tools nearby
• Keep pine needle and slash piles small and manageable
• An adult must constantly attend fire
• Clear a 25-foot radius noncombustible area around all fires
• Keep fires away from any overhanging branches
• Have a fire extinguisher, charged garden hose, and hand tools readily available nearby

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Incline Village, NV — As part of a growing national movement to raise awareness and boost emergency preparedness, Incline Village General Improvement District, Recreation Center will host a Ready to Respond training event during Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training Week, taking place October 16, 2025.

Coordinated by Joe Farrell, a local volunteer with the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation’s HEART Champion Program, this event is one of dozens happening across the country to empower people with the knowledge and skills to respond when seconds count.

“This training could help save the life of a family member, coworker, or neighbor,” said Joe Farrell. “Most cardiac arrests happen at home, and immediate CPR or AED use can double or triple someone’s chance of survival.”

The Hands Only CPR will take place on October 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Incline Village Recreation Center. Participants will learn about hands-only CPR, how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator), and how to respond confidently in an emergency. The event is free and open to the public.

Each year, more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States—and nearly 90% are fatal. With most incidents happening outside of a hospital setting, bystanders are often the only immediate hope for survival.

Incline Village, NV — El Distrito de Protección contra Incendios del Norte del Lago Tahoe, en colaboración con el Condado de Washoe, recuerda a los residentes de Incline Village que los incendios forestales representan un riesgo durante todo el año en nuestra comunidad. Con veranos secos, fuertes vientos y el paisaje único de la Sierra Nevada y la Cuenca del Lago Tahoe, es esencial que los residentes se mantengan vigilantes y continúen aprendiendo a convivir de manera segura con el fuego.

Como parte de este esfuerzo —y en reconocimiento a septiembre como el Mes Nacional de la Preparación— el Condado de Washoe está haciendo la transición del mensaje “Haga un plan, manténgase informado, prepare un kit” al programa reconocido a nivel nacional Ready, Set, Go! (Listo, Preparado, Vámonos!). Este cambio tiene como objetivo alinear mejor las prácticas de evacuación y preparación entre las agencias y brindar una orientación más clara a los residentes en caso de un incendio forestal.

Mensajes Clave de Ready, Set, Go! (Listo, Preparado, Váya!)

• Listo (Be Ready): Sea consciente del peligro en su área. Monitoree los medios de comunicación y los servicios de emergencia para obtener información. Asegúrese de tener un kit de emergencia que dure más de 2 semanas.

• Este prepárado (Get Set): Empaque para poder salir en cualquier momento. Las personas con circunstancias especiales deben considerar evacuar ahora.

• ¡Váyase! (Go): ¡Salga de inmediato! Está en peligro inmediato.

Por Qué Es Importante

La preparación salva vidas. Al adoptar el marco de Ready, Set, Go! fomentamos que los residentes del Condado de Washoe tomen medidas proactivas antes de que ocurra un incendio forestal, ya que este enfoque enfatiza salir temprano, lo cual es fundamental para mantener seguros a nuestras familias, vecinos y socorristas.

Incline Village, NV — The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, in collaboration with Washoe County, is reminding Incline Village residents that wildfire is a year-round risk in our community. With dry summers, strong winds, and the unique landscape of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe Basin, it is essential that residents stay vigilant and continue learning how to live safely with fire.

As part of this effort—and in recognition of September as National Preparedness Month—Washoe County is transitioning from the “Make a Plan, Stay Informed, Assemble a Kit” messaging to the nationally recognized Ready, Set, Go! program. This change is intended to better align evacuation and preparedness practices across agencies and provide clearer direction to residents in the event of wildfire.

Key Messages of Ready, Set, Go!

• Be Ready: Be aware of the danger in your area. Monitor media and emergency services for information. Make sure you have an emergency kit to last more than 2 weeks.

• Get Set: Pack to leave at any moment. People with special circumstances should consider evacuating now.

• Go Now: Leave now! You are in immediate danger.

Why This Matters

Preparedness saves lives. By adopting the Ready, Set, Go! framework, we are encouraging Washoe County residents to take proactive steps before wildfire strikes as this approach emphasizes leaving early, which is critical in keeping our families, neighbors, and first responders safe.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Sep. 8, 2025 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team hazardous fuels reduction (forest thinning) projects are underway around Lake Tahoe and scheduled to continue through fall 2025, conditions and weather permitting. To sign up for email notifications, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Division of Forestry, Liberty Utilities, NV Energy and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are working together to protect Lake Tahoe communities by reducing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires. For project details, including location, land ownership, lead agency, start date and expected duration, view the Lake Tahoe Basin Project Map at Tahoe Living With Fire, which highlights current and upcoming projects.

Forest health is a top priority of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, a landscape-scale collaboration and partnership between nearly 80 public and private organizations to achieve the environmental goals of the region. To date, partners have treated nearly 100,000 acres in Lake Tahoe Basin forests to reduce hazardous fuels.

After decades of fire suppression, Tahoe Basin’s forests are overstocked and highly vulnerable to insects, disease, and catastrophic wildfire. Forest thinning projects are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to protect communities by removing fuels on public lands that can feed unwanted wildfires. These projects complement defensible space and home hardening efforts on private property in neighborhoods and communities.

Incline Village, NV — Con el inicio del nuevo año escolar, el Distrito de Protección contra Incendios de North Lake Tahoe (NLTFPD) desea recordar a nuestra comunidad que la seguridad es una responsabilidad compartida. Con los estudiantes regresando a las escuelas, es especialmente importante que conductores, padres y estudiantes renueven su atención en los comportamientos seguros en y alrededor de las zonas escolares, paradas de autobús y cruces peatonales en los vecindarios.

Además, el Distrito alienta a la comunidad a mantener mayor precaución debido al creciente número de estudiantes que utilizan bicicletas eléctricas (e-bikes). Estas bicicletas pueden alcanzar velocidades más altas que las tradicionales y a menudo se desplazan a diferentes velocidades y en distintas direcciones, lo que hace fundamental que tanto los conductores como los ciclistas se mantengan atentos y adopten hábitos de seguridad.

Nuestra principal prioridad es la seguridad y el bienestar de nuestra juventud y comunidad. Alentamos a todos a mantenerse atentos, cumplir con las leyes de tránsito y hacer de la seguridad una prioridad durante las horas escolares y más allá.

Recordatorios Importantes de Seguridad

Incline Village, NV — As the new school year begins, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) would like to remind our community that safety is a shared responsibility. With students heading back to the classroom, it is especially important for drivers, parents, and students to renew their focus on safe behaviors in and around school zones, bus stops, and neighborhood crosswalks.

In addition, the District encourages extra awareness with the growing number of students using e-bikes. These bikes can travel at higher speeds than traditional bicycles and often operate at varying speeds and directions, making it critical for both riders and drivers to stay alert and practice safe habits.

Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our youth and community, and we encourage everyone to stay alert, follow traffic laws, and make safety a priority during school hours and beyond.

Important Safety Reminders