Pacific Southwest Research Station

Pacific Southwest Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
West Annex Building
Albany, CA 94710-0011

(510) 559-6300

Urban Ecosystems and Social Dynamics

Urban Ecosystems and Processes

FIRE

Fire hazard assessment of South Lake Tahoe

A recent study of South Lake Tahoe's urban forest reveals that more active participation of homeowners is needed to mitigate the existing fire hazard. We found that residential landscapes often do not comply with the California Public Resources Code for Fire Safety and that the regulations do not account for small lots that are influenced by the fire hazard of neighboring properties. This study recommends that fire hazard assessment include compliance with all regulations, as well as construction materials of home, irrigation practices, influence on neighbors, lot size, fire equipment accessibility, and water availability. Additionally, we recommend that community involvement is absolutely necessary for effective fire hazard mitigation, especially in neighborhoods with predominantly small lots.

• de Jong, L. 2003. Fire hazard assessment of South Lake Tahoe. Fire Management Today :63(2)
• See our studies about Fire.
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