Lake Tahoe Basin Prescribed Fire Operations Continue

Crews to conduct pile burning across multiple sites in the region this week.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Prescribed fire operations are set to continue this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, with crews conducting pile burning across several locations in both California and Nevada. The operations will take place over the next several days, weather permitting, as land management agencies work to reduce forest fuels and mitigate wildfire risk in the region.

Why it matters

Prescribed fire is a critical tool for forest management in the Lake Tahoe Basin, helping to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by removing excess vegetation and forest fuels. These operations are part of ongoing efforts by local, state, and federal agencies to improve the health and resilience of the region's forests.

The details

This week's prescribed fire operations will take place at several sites around the Lake Tahoe Basin, including near Luther Pass, Daggett Summit, Van Sickle Bi-State Park, Spooner Lake and Backcountry State Park, and in Carnelian Bay. In total, crews plan to burn approximately 74 acres of piled vegetation and forest fuels over the course of the next several days.

  • The prescribed fire operations are scheduled to take place from February 9th through February 13th, 2026.
  • Burning will occur on specific days at each site, with the majority of the work happening between February 9th and February 12th.

The players

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

A division of the U.S. Forest Service responsible for managing public lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District

A fire department serving the Tahoe Douglas area in Nevada.

Nevada Division of Forestry

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Nevada's forests and natural resources.

California Tahoe Conservancy

A California state agency that works to protect and restore the natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The prescribed fire operations are expected to continue as long as weather conditions remain favorable for safe and effective burning. Land management agencies will closely monitor the situation and may adjust plans as needed.

The takeaway

Prescribed fire is a crucial tool for managing forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin, helping to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and improve the overall health and resilience of the region's ecosystems. These ongoing operations demonstrate the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal agencies to protect the environment and communities in the Tahoe area.