The 2022 fire season was a welcome break compared to recent years. We experienced no red flag warnings for the first time in 11 years, and the early record-setting rain we received in September helped to bring the Mosquito Fire under containment. Cal Fire is reporting less than 375,000 acres burned this year compared to nearly 2.5 million acres at the same time last year, and our November storm brought welcome precipitation to the region, ending our fire season and allowing us to lift seasonal fire restrictions.

I'm proud to report that our community members have been incredibly engaged with defensible space efforts. Demand for our curbside chipping program nearly doubled compared to last year, and we were able to fund over 50 green waste dumpsters for organized community work days, with residents providing an in-kind match. This resulted in the removal of more than 12,000 cubic yards of flammable biomass. We now have 13 recognized Firewise USA® communities, making homes in those communities eligible for discounts on homeowner's insurance.

With snow on the ground, now is the time to safeguard your home from winter fires. Heating equipment and and improper ash disposal are the leading causes of fires during the fall and winter months. Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working by testing them monthly. Cool ashes completely before disposing of them (four days or 96 hours is the minimum recommended cooling period). Always plug heating devices directly into a wall outlet and never into a surge protector, and keep three-feet clearance from anything combustible. Stay warm with safety in mind this season!

North Tahoe Fire is honored to partner with agencies that support district operations through a variety of funding opportunities.

A survivor of cardiac arrest stopped by last month to thank the crews that provided life-saving care in his time of need.

Engine companies from North Tahoe Fire and North Lake Tahoe Fire (Incline Village, NV) arrived to the scene in under five minutes; within 30 seconds of one another.

Only 46% of bystanders are prepared to perform CPR, and chances of survival decrease 10% per minute prior to defibrillation without CPR. Fortunately, in this case CPR was already in progress. Immediate CPR can double and even triple the chances of survival (cardiac arrests outside of a hospital setting have a survival rate of less than 10%).

Firefighter/Paramedics assumed care and provided Advances Life Support care, including defibrillation until the return of spontaneous circulation. Both agencies were on the scene for 28 minutes, and a North Tahoe Firefighter/Paramedic continued care on the North Lake Tahoe ambulance during the 18 minute transport to the hospital.

Firefighters oftentimes never know the outcome of a call, and to learn of such an incredible outcome for this patient was the best news they could receive. The patient and his wife brought a basket of goodies along with big hugs for each engine company that responded to the call.

On the north and west shores, pile burning will be conducted this month at NTPUD's Gentry Property, the North Tahoe Regional Park, Dollar Creek, Burton Creek State Park, adjacent to Granlibakken, and at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Smoke will be present. A map with project details is available for viewing at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Firefighters had the opportunity to host a tour with Cub Scout Pack 734. The Scouts had recently returned from a campout with families north of Truckee.

The Pack meeting brought all of the Cub Scout dens (grade specific) together. This meeting of first through fifth graders provided the opportunity for the Scouts to see a demonstration of tools, and tour the station, fire engines and ambulances. Our fire captain discussed many of the ways our firefighters provide aid to people when they are in need, helping the pack members to build confidence, and strengthening their willingness to help others.