East Fork Engine 14 responds to a fire call in Genoa Lakes on March 9. An agreement between East Fork and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts will see the closest unit respond to a call.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
Douglas County’s two fire districts have implemented an agreement that will result in the closest available unit being dispatched to an incident regardless of the boundary line, reducing response time.
East Fork and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection Districts entered a boundary drop agreement on March 20.
“This boundary drop agreement represents a significant step forward in our commitment to public safety,” said East Fork Chief Alan Ernst. “By working together with our colleagues at Tahoe Douglas, we can provide faster, more effective emergency services to our communities.”
This landmark collaboration will ensure that the closest available emergency resources respond to incidents, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries, officials said.
“We are excited to implement this innovative approach to emergency response,” said Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief Scott Lindgren. “This agreement will allow us to leverage our combined resources and expertise to better serve the residents of Douglas County.”
The agreement covers the entire service areas of both fire districts, including the Carson Valley, Topaz Regions, and portions of the Tahoe Basin.
Both districts’ mutual aid agreements remain in effect.
The agreement is the result of months of planning and collaboration between the two fire districts.
Both districts will maintain their individual identities and administrative structures while working together to provide seamless emergency services across their combined service areas.