By Leona Allen

Personnel from the Lake Valley Fire Protection District are participating in rope rescue training this month in conjunction with El Dorado County Search and Rescue, South Lake Tahoe Fire Department, Meeks Bay Fire Protection District, U.S. Forest Service, and CalFire.

Due to the recreational atmosphere within the jurisdiction of these agencies, it is necessary for them to train and prepare for these potential hazardous conditions. Agencies in the Lake Tahoe Basin rely frequently on mutual aid from the various fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies, making it important to train together to enhance their skills. Such skills are also considered high-risk, but used with low frequency, and thus need to be practiced often.

Lake Valley firefighters practice high angle rope rescue. Photo/Provided

High angle rope rescue enables personnel to affect the rescue of a stranded and/or injured climber. With the high number of popular climbing areas in the Lake Valley FPD jurisdiction, we would like to remind the public of the following safety tips:

• When enjoying a day climbing or participating in any outdoor recreation, never travel alone. Know the capabilities of your companions (what equipment they have and their ability level), make a plan for your day, and let someone know where you’ll be going and when you plan to return.

• Make sure your equipment is rated for the intended use.

• Check the weather forecast, and be prepared for fast changes in the weather.

Leona Allen is the public information officer for Lake Valley Fire Protection District.