by Martin Goldberg | Nov 17, 2025 | News, Uncategorized
South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) and Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) have started an update of their Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan will develop near-term and long-term mitigation actions that reduce risk from drought, floods, winter storms, wildfires, and other natural hazards.
“Community input is essential to set priorities and identify projects,” said Megan Colvey, Director of Engineering with STPUD.
Hazard mitigation means taking actions that reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people, property, infrastructure, the economy, and the environment.
“Planning before a disaster helps us prioritize safety and protect our community,” said Colvey.
National studies show communities gain strong value from mitigation investments, with significant savings for every dollar spent. A plan that is updated every five years, also keeps the
STPUD and LVFPD eligible for state and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant funding.
The update will follow FEMA guidance through a four-phase, nine-step planning process during 2025 and 2026. A Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee will help steer the work and ensure
broad participation by residents, businesses, partner agencies, and community organizations.
How to participate
Take the public survey (Click here) to share your experience with local hazards and ideas for risk reduction. The survey is available in English and Spanish and remains open through
November 30, 2025.
Attend the Public Workshop in 2026 once the draft Plan is ready for review.
Stay updated by visiting: www.stpud.us/hazard-mitigation-plan-update
Benefits to the community include protecting public safety, reducing damage to existing and future development, hardening critical water and wastewater infrastructure, and minimizing service disruptions. STPUD and LVFPD will use community input to identify and prioritize a portfolio of mitigation actions.
“We encourage everyone on the south shore to take a few minutes to complete this survey to help your water/sewer and fire districts understand your concerns,” said Colvey.
If you have questions, call STPUD at (530) 544-6474 or email info@stpud.us. For Lake Valley Fire Protection District questions, contact us at (530) 725-9499 or email
by Kayla Galvan | Sep 12, 2025 | News
Job Announcement- Fire Chief
Position: Fire Chief
Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Application Deadline: Friday October 3, 2025
Salary: $194,475-$225,127 annually- Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications
Employment Type: Full Time, Exempt
About the Lake Valley Fire Protection District
The Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) serves the scenic South Lake Tahoe area of El Dorado County, California, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, fuels reduction, and public education programs. LVFPD is recognized for its commitment to community safety, progressive leadership, and strong interagency partnerships in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The Opportunity
The Board of Directors is seeking an experienced and dynamic Fire Chief to lead the District into its next chapter. This is an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking fire service leader who values operational excellence, community engagement, and organizational growth. The Fire Chief serves as the Executive Officer of the District, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. This position oversees all aspects of District operations, including administration, budgeting, personnel management, emergency response, and interagency coordination. See Job Description for a full list of qualifications and responsibilities. Candidates selected for employment must successfully complete a comprehensive background check. Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment fit-for-duty evaluation to ensure the ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a Cover Letter, Resume, Completed District Employment Application and Copies of required certifications/ licenses by email to the Administrative Assistant at galvan@lakevalleyfire.org, or in person at Fire Station 7, 2211 Keetak St. South Lake Tahoe CA. Applications must be received by 5:00pm on Friday October 3, 2025.
The LVFPD is an equal opportunity employer.
Fire Chief Job Announcement
Fire Chief Job Description 2025
Application 5.2.23
by Kayla Galvan | Sep 16, 2025 | News
Notice is hereby given to the intention of the Board of Directors of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with local amendments. The Board of Directors will hold its second hearing at 4:00pm on Monday, September 29th, 2025 at the LVFPD Fire Station 7, 2211 Keetak St. South Lake Tahoe, CA, regarding the adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code with local amendments, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13869 and 13869.7. Copies of the code section referred to, and any secondary code sections referred to, adopted by reference, are on file with the District’s Administrative Assistant, and are open to public inspection. Adoption of the Fire Code Ordinance will adopt the California Fire Code as currently published in Title 24, Part 9, of the California Code of Regulations. In some instances the Lake Valley Fire Protection District’s proposed Fire Code Ordinance proposes building standards more stringent than those minimum building standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal and contained in the California Building Standards Code.
Fire Code 2025 final document
by Kayla Galvan | Aug 12, 2025 | News
Notice is hereby given to the intention of the Board of Directors of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with local amendments. The Board of Directors will hold its first hearing at 4:00pm on Friday August 29, 2025 at the LVFPD Fire Station 7, 2211 Keetak St. South Lake Tahoe, CA, regarding the adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code with local amendments, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13869 and 13869.7. Copies of the code section referred to, and any secondary code sections referred to, adopted by reference, are on file with the District’s Administrative Assistant, and are open to public inspection. Adoption of the Fire Code Ordinance will adopt the California Fire Code as currently published in Title 24, Part 9, of the California Code of Regulations. In some instances the Lake Valley Fire Protection District’s proposed Fire Code Ordinance proposes building standards more stringent than those minimum building standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal and contained in the California Building Standards Code.
Fire Code 2025 final document
by Kayla Galvan | Aug 12, 2025 | News
The Board of Directors of Lake Valley Fire Protection District engaged Ridgeline Municipal Strategies to perform a study to determine what the District should charge for mitigation fees. The study, along with associated documents, will be made available to the public for inspection between 9:00am and 4:00pm at 2211 Keetak St. South Lake Tahoe, CA beginning September 1, 2025. The Documents will also be available to view on the District’s website, www.lakevalleyfire.org.
The Board will hold a public hearing at 4:00pm on Thursday September 11, 2025 for constituents to provide input on the mitigation fee study and proposed changes. The hearing will occur in open session during the Board’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 2211 Keetak St. South Lake Tahoe, CA. Any person may appear and be heard during the public comment section of the public hearing.
25002 Lake Valley FPD Fire Impact Fee Nexus Study Report – 08-20-2025 – DRAFT (1)
by Kayla Galvan | Jun 23, 2025 | News
Media Release Burn Ban
Lake Valley Fire Protection District Prohibits ALL Open Burning and Recreational Fires
Meyers, Calif. June 19, 2025- On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the CAL FIRE AEU suspended burn
permits for the season, and on Monday, June 23, 2025, CALFIRE NEU followed suit, resulting in full
suspension of residential burn permits in the Tahoe Basin. These are the triggers that prompt Lake Valley
Fire Protection District jurisdictions to activate local fire restrictions by suspending all solid fuel
recreational fires and open burning. The suspension takes effect Monday, June 23rd, 8:00 AM and will
remain in effect throughout the remainder of the fire season.
Following the adoption of the 2022 Fire Code, ONLY Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LPG) outdoor firepits,
barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are allowed year-round except during Red Flag/critical fire weather
conditions. All these appliances must be utilized following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Openflame
devices such as tiki torches and all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, are illegal in
California year-round. For reports of hazardous/illegal campfires, people should call 9-1-1, and illegal
fireworks activity should be reported to local law enforcement.
All sources of open flames, including Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LPG) outdoor firepits, barbecues,
and pellet grills/smokers are prohibited during Red Flag/critical fire weather conditions. Red Flag
Watches and Warnings of critical fire weather in the Tahoe Basin are issued by the National Weather
Service, Reno.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and properties for wildfire:
• Maintain at least 5 feet free of combustible material around each structure.
• For a distance of at least 30 feet from a home, keep the area Lean, Clean, and Green.
• Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from all structures.
• Landscape with fire-resistant plants.
• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris through chipping or green waste collection
opportunities.
For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, tips to prevent wildfires, and ways to
prepare for emergencies and evacuations, visit www.TahoeLivingWithFire.com
Media Release Burn Ban
