by Martin Goldberg | Jun 22, 2026 | News
Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan
STPUD and LVFPD are now soliciting public comment on the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan before it is finalized and submitted to FEMA for review and approval. The public comment period is open from June 22, 2026 to July 13, 2026. Follow the link to provide feedback on the plan.
Why Your Voice Matters:
Community participation ensures the updated plan is:
- Informed by real experiences and local knowledge.
- Supported by STPUD customers and community members.
- Practical, effective, and ready to be implemented.
Background
The South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) and Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) are working together to update our Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This federally required plan identifies natural hazards, assesses risks, and outlines strategies to protect our community from disasters like wildfires, floods, and droughts. Updated every five years, the Hazard Mitigation Plan keeps participating jurisdictions like STPUD and LVFPD eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state grants, while serving as a blueprint for protecting lives, property, and the environment.
What is Hazard Mitigation?
Hazard mitigation refers to proactive actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risks from natural hazards. Rather than just rebuilding after a disaster, hazard mitigation aims to break the cycle of damage and costly recovery.
Examples include:
- Improving infrastructure to withstand wildfires or floods
- Updating building codes to reflect modern risks
- Preserving open space to reduce flood impacts
When local governments and agencies plan ahead, we create stronger, safer, and more resilient communities that can better weather future disasters.
Why this Matters?
Mitigation is an investment in a community’s future safety, sustainability, and resiliency. Studies show every $1 spent on mitigation saves $6 in disaster costs. By planning ahead, we reduce the impact when disasters strike, keeping our community safer and more resilient.
How does this benefit South Lake Tahoe?
Hazard mitigation planning allows residents, business owners, elected officials, special districts, and municipalities to think through how to plan, design, build, and establish partnerships for risk reduction. Hazard mitigation can also benefit a community or a special district by:
- Protect public safety and prevent injuries.
- Safeguard homes, businesses, and future development.
- Preserve our unique economy, culture, and natural environment.
- Speed recovery and minimize downtime after disasters.
- Lower disaster response and recovery costs.
- Support infrastructure upgrades and open space preservation
For STPUD and LVFPD specifically, the plan update will:
- Keep us eligible for critical FEMA mitigation funding.
- Increase public awareness about local risks and safety actions.
- Align policies and programs to reduce vulnerability to all hazards.
- Build strong partnerships with community groups and stakeholders.
- Expand strategies to include education, regulations, and innovative projects.
- Guide prioritization and implementation of effective mitigation actions.
For More Info:
Call South Tahoe Public Utility District at 530-544-6474 or email info@stpud.us; or Lake Valley Fire District at 530.545-2065 or goldberg@lakevalleyfire.org.
by Martin Goldberg | Jun 16, 2026 | News
Lake Valley Fire Protection District Prohibits ALL Open Burning and Recreational Fires
Meyers, Calif. – June 15, 2026 – Following the suspension of residential burn permits by CAL FIRE, Lake Valley Fire Protection District is implementing local fire restrictions effective Monday, June 15, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The restrictions will remain in place for the duration of fire season.
Under the 2024 Fire Code, all open burning and solid-fuel recreational fires are prohibited during fire season.
Only Natural Gas (NG) and Propane (LPG) outdoor fire pits, barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are permitted during fire season and must be operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, all outdoor flame-producing devices, including gas and propane appliances, are prohibited during Red Flag Warnings and other critical fire weather conditions. Open-flame devices such as tiki torches and all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers are illegal in California year-round.
To report hazardous or illegal campfires, call 9-1-1. Illegal fireworks activity should be reported to local law enforcement at (530) 573-3000.
Red Flag Warnings and Watches for the Tahoe Basin are issued by the National Weather Service Reno.
Residents are encouraged to take steps now to prepare their homes and properties for wildfire:
• Maintain at least 5 feet of noncombustible space around structures.
• Keep the area within 30 feet of your home Lean, Clean, and Green.
• Remove dead or dying vegetation within 100 feet of structures.
• Landscape with fire-resistant plants.
• Use chipping programs (Chipper Day) or green waste collection services to dispose of vegetation.
For information about defensible space, wildfire preparedness, and evacuation planning, visit TahoeLivingWithFire.com.
by Martin Goldberg | Apr 9, 2026 | News
Competitive Entry Level Exam Announcement for:
Firefighter Paramedic and Lateral Firefighter Paramedic
(Continuous Recruitment/ Open Until Filled)
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 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 Lake Valley Firefighter/ Paramedic Step Test Program. 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 for firefighter paramedic is $7,488.30 to $8,734.36 per month. The current base salary step range for lateral firefighter paramedic is $9,113.08 to 10,101.95 per 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
- *Current California Class C driver’s license or equivalent
- *High School Diploma or equivalent
- *Current CPR certification to the Health Care Provider level
- *Current CPAT Card (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Valid for 12 months from pass date
- *Current California State Paramedic License or National Registered Paramedic (California Licensed and local accreditation required within 60 days of appointment)
- *California State Firefighter I or Certificate of Completion from an accredited fire academy
- *Current Fire Department ID, if applicable
* Must be provided with application
Desired Qualifications:
- Local/El Dorado County Experience
- CTESOA experience
Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic Qualifications:
- Minimum of one year experience as a professional Firefighter/Paramedic with a fire department
- Lateral FF/P candidate not required to participate in Firefighter Written Examination and Skills Assessment or Paramedic Written Exam and Skills Assessment. *Oral interview required
- Lateral FF/P may be hired at appropriate step wage based on experience, Fire Chief discretion
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”
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 being accepted on a continuous/ open until filled basis. Applications and proof of the above listed qualifications must be delivered to the on-duty Battalion Chief at the Station #7 Business Office, 2211 Keetak Street, South Lake Tahoe, California. 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: TBD- Continuous Recruitment/ Open until Filled
Physical Ability Test
- Current CPAT card required, no physical ability test will be conducted by the Lake Valley Fire Protection District. CPAT certification i valid for 12-months from date of successful completion.
Firefighter Written Examination and Skill Assessment
- The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test from IFSTA Firefighter Essentials,6th ed. (Emphasis on chapters 5, 8, 12-17)
- Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● Firefighter skills will be based on California State Fire Training Firefighter 1A skill sheets
Paramedic Written Exam and Skills Assessment
- The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test based on current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians standards National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (nremt.org) ● Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● Paramedic skills/scenarios testing based on National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians ALS psychomotor certification standards ● Applicants must pass all of the Pass/Fail skills/scenarios testing stations 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.
- Applicants must pass the oral interview with an overall average score of 70% 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.
Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Positive Attitude and Teamwork
2211 Keetak St., So. Lake Tahoe, CA. 96150 ∙ (530) 577-3737 ∙
by Martin Goldberg | Apr 9, 2026 | News
Competitive Entry Level Exam Announcement for:
Firefighter/ EMT
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. A 5-member elected Board of Directors sets the District’s policies.
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. This is a position represented by the current Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Valley Professional Firefighters Association. 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 engages directly in fire suppression, fire prevention education, rescue, hazardous materials, and advanced emergency medical services. Employees within this class are required to maintain a valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician License with El Dorado County Accreditation.
Wage and Benefits:
Salary Range: The current base salary step range is $6,099.26 to $7,157.68 per 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, and 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
- *Current California Class C driver’s license or equivalent
- *High School Diploma or equivalent
- *Current CPR certification to the Health Care Provider level
- *CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) completed after June 1st, 2022
- *Current California or National Registry EMT
- *California State Firefighter I or Certificate of Completion from an accredited fire academy
- Proof of these documents must be provided with application
Desired Qualifications:
- Local/El Dorado County Experience
- CTESOA experience
- Enrolment in an Accredited Paramedic Program
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 with resume, cover letter and proof of the above listed qualifications can be submitted via mail or delivered to the on-duty Battalion Chief at Fire Station #7 Business Office, 2211 Keetak Street, South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150 between 0900-1700 Hrs. All applicants meeting the “minimum qualifications” listed above will be notified by e-mail or telephone and given further details to participate in the testing process.
Testing Process: This is an open- continuous recruitment. The District will conduct testing on an as needed basis. Qualified applicants will be notified of testing information. Positions will remain open until filled.
Firefighter Written Examination and Skill Assessment
- The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test from IFSTA Firefighter Essentials,6th ed. (Emphasis on chapters 5, 8, 12-17)
- Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● Firefighter skills will be based on California State Fire Training Firefighter 1A skill sheets
EMT Written Exam and Skills Assessment
- The written exam will be a timed, multiple-choice test based on current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians standards National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (nremt.org) ● Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70% to advance ● EMT skills/scenarios testing based on National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians psychomotor certification standards ● Applicants must pass all of the Pass/Fail skills/scenarios testing stations 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/EMT.
- Applicants must pass the oral interview with an overall average score of 70% to advance
Note: Applicants must successfully pass ALL sections of the exam process to be placed on the “Eligibility List.”
Hiring Process:
Lake Valley Fire District is committed to providing the highest-level of service to all customers we serve. We achieve this by staffing Advanced Life Support (ALS) fire engines and ambulances with El Dorado County Accredited Paramedics 24/7. Therefore, it is expected anyone hired under the Firefighter/ EMT job classification be enrolled in an accredited paramedic program within two (2) years of his or her “hire date.”
After testing has been completed, applicants will receive written notice of eligibility/ineligibility from the fire district. 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 Firefighter 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 Firefighters will receive training and orientation for the position prior to assignment. Job related training will continue throughout the probationary period and beyond.
Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Positive Attitude and Teamwork
2211 Keetak St., So. Lake Tahoe, CA. 96150 ∙ (530) 577-3737 ∙ Fax (530) 577-3739 ∙ www.lakevalleyfire.org
by Martin Goldberg | Jan 27, 2026 | News
The City of South Lake Tahoe along with the Lake Valley Fire Protection District is recruiting for two Fuel Reduction Crew Leads, six crewmembers and 2 defensible space inspectors for the summer season.
The start date for these positions is anticipated to start around April 15 – April 30, 2026 depending on weather conditions, and will go for 6 months at 40 hours per week, or 960 hours total. The anticipated end date for this position is mid to late October 2026.
Applications will be accepted until February 20, 2026. Interviews will take place in late February.
For questions regarding this role, please contact Jay Manning, Fire Division Chief at JManning@cityofslt.gov.
