SLTFD being proactive with threat of fire

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department has implemented the Red Flag Program for a second year to help inform and educate people about days when the weather increases fire danger.

SLTFD will raise a red flag at each fire station to warn the public.

On these days the department will add extra personnel to staff a brush engine for an aggressive fire attack. The personnel assigned to the engine will patrol the highest fire danger areas.

During these time the public should be especially mindful to:

• Avoid outdoor burning, such campfires, or any other open flame. Even grilling is not advised, when Red Flag Days exist.
• Dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials into fire safe containers. Tossing smoldering cigarettes onto the ground should be avoided.
• Properly store flammable materials such as gasoline, alcohol, paint, lighter, and matches. These materials may reach their critical points during hot weather and can possibly result to fire.
• Be extremely careful when using and fueling chain saws, lawn mowers, weed eaters and other lawn care equipment. High heat conditions make ignition of the fuel vapors more likely. Find shade if possible and allow the machinery to cool if it has been running. Also avoid welding in dangerously dry conditions, as the sparks can easily ignite the dry vegetation around you.
• Be careful where parking vehicles. The hot underside of a car or truck filled with gasoline parked over dead grass or leaves is an explosion waiting to happen. Be sure to park on concrete or solid dirt or gravel, especially during Red Flag Days. Do not park where vegetation touches the vehicle.