Local fire districts are reminding people now is the time to remove trees to create defensible space.

The term “defensible space” refers to the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been managed to reduce the wildfire threat.

Contact your fire protection agency for permitting and a complete defensible space evaluation. The Living with Fire Guide for the Lake Tahoe Basin is the authoritative guide for vegetation management and wildfire preparedness on properties in the Tahoe basin.

Structures located within the city of South Lake Tahoe follow the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s tree removal permit process. A homeowner may apply for a tree removal permit online. The application can also be obtained at the TRPA front counter, or by calling 775.588.4547. A $53 non-refundable filing fee is due with the application. A TRPA forester will visit the property to assess the trees and issue a permit for any marked trees.

No permit is needed for trees with a diameter of 14 inches or less.