South Lake Tahoe Fire Department is implementing the “red flag” program for a third year to help inform and educate citizens on fire danger.

Red flags will be flown at local fire stations to inform the public when the weather creates a fire warning.

Extra personnel will be added for an aggressive fire attack.

Tips during these times:

• Avoid outdoor burning, such campfires, or any other open flame. Even grilling is not advised.
• 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 you park your vehicles. The hot underside of a car or truck filled with gasoline parked over dead grass or leaves is an explosion waiting to happen.