Tahoe agencies develop evacuation plan

A Lake Tahoe Regional Evacuation Plan was developed by the cooperative efforts of the Lake Tahoe fire chiefs, law enforcement agencies, and emergency management personnel following experiences gained during past major wildfires.

The plan is a “living document” intended to provide the public with critical information related to evacuations and will be updated from time to time.

The plan pulled together a diverse team of experts from two different states and five different counties which all have jurisdictional responsibilities around Lake Tahoe. The efforts resulted in a robust and critically needed Regional Evacuation Plan.

The plan is organized so that the evacuation information in the front of the plan is applicable to all parts of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Then there are seven annexes in the back of the plan that allow for more specific information which is only pertinent to the specific areas.

The plan emphasizes regional cooperation and collaboration in the event of a large wildfire that may occur in the future.

Local emergency experts recognize that planning for a large wildfire that will require evacuations is a reality for the Tahoe Basin. Fire, Law, and Emergency Management partners are more prepared to manage these events as a result of this new Plan.

The plan is a “living document” and is open for a 60-day comment period ending on Nov. 20. Click on the link for the plan to find out where to direct comments.