Home

New Program Creating Fire Adapted Community Network at Lake Tahoe

Contact: Marybeth Donahoe, (530) 543-1501 ext. 114

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. –The Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) is launching a new program to motivate and help communities to take action to lower their risk to the wildfire hazard in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Supported with grant funding from CAL FIRE, the Tahoe RCD is building a Fire Adapted Community Network to educate locals and visitors about their vulnerability to wildfire and help them reduce their risk. In fire adapted communities, residents, visitors and agencies work together to take collaborative action to protect the community before, during, and after wildfires.

The network will engage individuals so they understand their wildfire threat and provide the tools they need to lower their risk. It will leverage educational resources, promote fire district services, and act as a liaison between community members and agencies, building partnerships between fire districts, communities, visitors, and agencies

The goal is to create a unified network of individuals who take responsibility and actions to reduce the wildfire risk in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Establishing fire adapted communities is the solution to protecting people’s lives and property and the environment from a catastrophic wildfire. 

Why are fire adapted communities important? Due to over 100 years of fire suppression, the natural role fire plays in creating healthy forests has been altered. The accumulation of hazardous fuels has increased within the understory of the forests. The accumulation of these fuels, weather conditions, and human behavior could lead to another catastrophic wildfire event in the Tahoe Basin, much like the previous Gondola, Washoe, and Angora fires.

Informed individuals, neighbors, and agencies reduce this wildfire risk by reducing fuels and modifying human behavior. It is important for people to create defensible space around there homes and within their neighborhoods, and to take other precautions to minimize their vulnerability to the inevitable wildfire threat. Fire adapted neighborhoods work closely with their local fire district or department to create and maintain a fire adapted community. This network of fire adapted communities will reduce the threat to wildfire and create resilient, knowledgeable communities in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Be part of the solution! Spread the word about the wildfire threat and how to minimize the risk. Together we can make a difference! We need motivated individuals to partner on the efforts of creating a Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities. You can be a leader in your residential community and personal network, or help with an established effort. Here are some tips on how to get involved:

• Request a defensible space inspection from your local fire district or fire department by visiting www.Tahoe.LivingWithFire.info.
• Contact Marybeth Donahoe at the Tahoe RCD for more information about how to volunteer. Find out about upcoming workshops and trainings and get the tools you need to raise awareness in your community. She can give you the information you need to either be a leader or a member within a local fire-adapted community. Call Marybeth at (530) 543-1501 ext. 114.

Catastrophic wildfire does not recognize boundaries or property lines. You can make a huge difference just by connecting with your neighbors and working together to minimize this risk for everyone. Be part of the solution, create unity and fire-adapt your community.

About the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) consists of representatives of Tahoe Basin fire agencies, CAL FIRE, Nevada Division of Forestry and related state agencies, University of California and Nevada Cooperative Extensions, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, conservation districts from both states, the California Tahoe Conservancy and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Our Mission is to protect lives, property and the environment withinthe Lake Tahoe Basin from wildfire by implementing prioritized fuels reduction projects and engaging the public in becoming a Fire Adapted Community.

For more information, visit www.tahoefft.org.

**South Lake Tahoe, California***

March 7, 2016

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) is proud to announce Dusty LaChapelle as the District’s Firefighter of the Year and one of the Tahoe-Douglas Rotary Club’s Community Hero Award recipients. The Community Hero Award recognizes local police, fire professionals, and others in the community who embody the Rotarian motto, “Service Above Self.” The award will be given March 11, 2016 at the Tahoe-Douglas Rotary St. Patrick’s Celebration at Harrah’s.

Dusty LaChapelle is a South Lake Tahoe native who has been involved in the fire service since the year 2000. He began his career with CalFire as a seasonal firefighter and then transitioned to Pioneer Fire as a firefighter/paramedic where he was quickly promoted to Captain. After eight years with Pioneer Fire, Dusty returned to South Lake Tahoe to work as a firefighter/paramedic with LVFPD in 2013. He chose to return to South Lake Tahoe with his wife, Megan, to raise their two small children in the place he is happy to call home. Both Dusty and Megan, a nurse at Barton Memorial Hospital, are active members of the community and proud to serve area residents and visitors alike.

As a member of the LVFPD, Dusty has embraced the District’s mission and values. He constantly strives to “Do the Right Thing” and works tirelessly to help those around him. With this award, Dusty is choosing to help fund the education of aspiring future fire fighters while honoring a fallen comrade, Mitch Underhill, by donating $1000 to the Mitch Underhill foundation.

Please join the Tahoe-Douglas Rotary and the Lake Valley Fire Protection District in thanking Dusty LaChapelle and all local heroes in their selflessness dedication to keeping our community safe.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District Presents Community Easter Egg Hunt!  Bring your camera to pose with Easter Bunny and a Fire Truck!

Tahoe Paradise Park

Sunday, March 27th

Starts at 9am

Family fun for all ages!

Find the Golden Eggs to win a PRIZE!

Call 530.577.3737 for more info

Download the flyer here...2.84 MB

Competitive Entry Level Exam and Job Announcement For:

Firefighter/Paramedic

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District is a local government agency created and operated pursuant to California State Law; by the Fire Protection Law of 1987 – Health and Safety Code, Section 13801 through 13999. It provides 24-hour emergency fire, rescue, emergency medical services and other safety activities. The District's policies are set by a 5-member elected Board of Directors.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District serves the residents of El Dorado County in the Lake Tahoe Basin area. Our jurisdiction extends north to include Emerald Bay on Hwy 89, west to Twin Bridges on Hwy 50, south to the intersection of Hwy 88 and Hwy 89 in Alpine County, and east to the Nevada State line not including the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Job Description: This is a full time position working as a firefighter/paramedic.     This is a position represented by the current Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. The Fire District has a residency requirement which must be met within sixty days of the “start date”. The official job description is available on our website.

This job has a probationary period of twelve (12) months from the “date of hire”. During the probationary period, the employee must receive satisfactory evaluations and complete the “California State Firefighter 1 Certification” process. A probationary employee is an “at will” employee and may be terminated without cause.

The Firefighter/ Paramedic engages directly in fire suppression, fire prevention education, rescue, hazardous materials, and advanced emergency medical services. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Firefighter by the possession and maintenance of a state of California Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic License with El Dorado County Accreditation.

Wage and Benefits:

Salary Range: The current base salary step range is $7,132.34-7948.41per month.

Benefit Package: The benefit package is detailed in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. Benefits include vacation time, sick leave, compensatory time, retirement, educational and insurance incentives.

Minimum Qualifications: All proof of minimum qualifications must be turned in with application by the application closing date.

• Minimum 18 years of age  (birth certificate)
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Valid CPAT Card (Candidate Physical Ability Test)
• Current CPR Card
• California State Firefighter 1 or Certificate of Completion from an accredited fire academy
• Basic Wildland Firefighter (FFT2: I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130)
• Valid California or Nevada Class “A or B Commercial Driver’s License or Class C” Drivers License with Firefighter Endorsement and associated printout of current DMV Record of Violations, and acceptable risk as determined by fire district’s insurance carrier.

Paramedic Qualifications:

• Current: California Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic at time of appointment with no pending or open disciplinary actions, suspensions or revocation, etc. by the application deadline.
• Must complete El Dorado County EMS Accreditation process within 60 days from “start date”
• Minimum two years’ work experience as a paramedic for an ALS agency that provides the primary emergency medical response for a 9-1-1 service area.

Application Process:

Applications are available at the Fire Station #7 Business Office located at 2211 Keetak St., South Lake Tahoe or online at www.lakevalleyfire.org. Completed applications and proof of the above listed qualifications are due by March 18, 2016. No applications will be accepted after the closing date. Applications and proof of the above listed qualifications must be delivered to Administrative Assistant Kileigh Labrado at the Station #7 Business Office, 2211 Keetak Street, South Lake Tahoe, California, by 1700 Hrs. All applicants meeting the “minimum qualifications” listed above will be notified by e-mail and given further details to participate in the testing process.

Testing Process:

Physical Ability Test

• Current CPAT card required, no physical ability test will be conducted by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District.

Written Exam

• The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test from IFSTA Firefighter Essentials, 6^th ed.
• Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance

Oral Interview

• The oral interview will be a series of questions relating to the knowledge, skills and abilities of      the applicant to perform the duties of a Firefighter/Paramedic.
• The oral interview panel will consist of a LVFPD Battalion Chief, Captain, and FF/PM.
• Applicants must pass the oral interview with an overall average score of 80% to advance

Paramedic Skills

• The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test based on El Dorado County EMS Policies and      Procedures found at this website: www.edcgov.us/Government/EMS/Policies___Procedures.aspx
• Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance
• Paramedic skills/scenarios testing based on El Dorado County EMS Policies and Procedures
• Applicants must pass all of the Pass/Fail skills/scenarios testing stations to advance

Hiring Process:

After testing has been completed, applicants will receive written notice of eligibility/ineligibility from the fire district by mail.Eligible candidates will be placed on an “Eligibility List”. The eligibility list will be valid for two years from the date the list is established. When the fire district needs to fill a FF/PM position, the Fire Chief may select candidates from the eligibility list and conduct a Fire Chief’s Interview.

Following the formal offer of employment by the Fire Chief, the applicant must pass a drug test, comprehensive medical exam, psychological exam, and criminal background check. After successfully completing this final screening process, the Fire Chief will notify the applicant of their “date of hire”. Probationary Firefighter Paramedics will receive training and orientation for the position prior to assignment. Job related training will continue throughout the probationary term and beyond.

***South Lake Tahoe, California***

February 2, 2016

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District announces its “Adopt a Fire Hydrant” program.

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District has over 1000 fire hydrants within its borders. It is impossible for fire crews to shovel and maintain all of them in a timely manner. The California Fire Code addresses keeping fire hydrants free of obstructions and immediately identifiable.

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District strives to ensure all hydrants are clear, marked, and accessible in the event of a fire. Winter time makes this job very hard and during heavy snow the district is forced to clear key hydrants first. Some hydrants unfortunately may remain buried all winter.

The Fire District is asking community members to adopt the hydrant closest to their home or business and keep it clear of snow and debris so that together we can help to make our community safer. In the event of a small fire that is reported in a timely manner, the water carried by fire engines is usually sufficient. If a fire is too large for the water carried on an engine, a water source that is easily found can make a difference in keeping the fire from spreading to a neighboring property. Combining safe practices like installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, maintaining defensible space, and keeping your closest hydrant clear can prevent unnecessary property damage.

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District appreciates the members of our community that already maintain hydrants in their neighborhood and encourages everyone to participate.

If you notice a fire hydrant that is not marked with a snow stake please contact the Lake Valley Fire Protection District Prevention Bureau at (530) 577-3737.

When maintaining a hydrant, a three foot clear space should be maintained around the hydrant and to the roads edge. Below is an example of hydrants being cleared by helpful citizens of our community.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Fire Chief Gareth Harris said that “the Fire District’s adopt a fire hydrant program is an important step in assuring that firefighters have access to an adequate water supply in the event of a fire”.

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District has its website at www.lakevalleyfire.org. Check out the website for information on the many services the Fire District is proud to offer to the community.