To the community,

Every year the fire department responds to many fires that could have been prevented by using just a little common sense.

One such occurrence is leaving roof heat tape turned on after all the snow has melted from your roof. The heat tape under a heavy accumulation of pine needles will eventually ignite the needles and possible cause a roof fire that could extend into your home.

So please, remember to turn off your heat tape and clear the pine needles from your roof and chimney as soon as the snow melts this spring.

Have a safe and fun Tahoe spring.

Sallie Ross-Filgo, South Lake Tahoe Fire Department