Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I call to have tree limbs and pine needles picked up or chipped? The NTFPD provides a free chipping program to residents within our District. Please call our “chipper hotline” at (530) 546-4347 to schedule chipping service or submit our online chipper request form.

Where can I find information regarding controlled burns in my area? Information about current wildland fires and controlled burns can be found on our website by clicking on the above link.

How do I obtain a Residential Burn Permit for a burn pile? How will I know which days are determined “permissive burn days”?

Residential Burn Permits may be obtained from the North Tahoe Fire Protection District at any of the following stations: Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and Homewood. Please click on the link above for more information. Residential Burn Permits are valid only on days which are determined “Permissible Burn Days” by the Placer County Air Pollution Control District, pursuant to Section 39298 of the Health and Safety Code. For permissible burn day information, please call the Placer County Air Pollution Control District burn day toll free number listed on your burn permit

What do I need to know about building campfires in local and state parks? If you plan to use a portable stove or build a campfire, you must either obtain a wilderness permit for the wilderness area or in areas where wilderness permits are not required, obtain a California Campfire Permit . Some areas restrict use of campfires and portable stoves during periods of high fire danger. Campfires are never allowed in Desolation Wilderness. Please check with your local park agency for campfire regulations.

Is a permit required for cutting wood on park lands? A firewood permit application can be obtained on-line at the Tahoe National Forest (TNF), at all Ranger Stations, the Forest Headquarters or by mail. In general, the firewood permit allows removal of dead and down wood on TNF system lands unless otherwise signed, but not on private land. It also authorizes removal of standing dead conifer trees within 200 feet of some roads. Trees may not be cut if marked with paint, wildlife signs, boundary landmark signs, other official signs or in areas closed to woodcutting.

My construction plans need to be approved by the fire district. What other documents do I need to bring with me to have this done? In addition to a set of plans, we require a completed copy of your Permit Processing Application, and a copy of your Letter of Intent to Issue a Building Permit (both provided through the Placer County Building Dept.). We also approve demolition permits, decks, and interior remodels where there is no additional square footage. Please read our Plan Approval Guidelines for additional information.

How is my home’s ISO rating determined? The fire department doesn’t determine your ISO rating. That is determined by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The ISO rates fire protection in an area on a variety of items in three main areas:

· How calls for service are received and dispatched [911] (10%)

· The fire department’s ability to deliver “fire flow” (50%). This is determined by the number of firefighters on duty, how many pumpers are available, what special equipment the department has, the hours and types of training the employees receive and many other things.

· Community water supply (40%). This encompasses storage, delivery pipe size, fire hydrants, pump capacity among other things. Most communities have one water purveyor which makes infrastructure development easier. We currently have 18 water purveyors in our District, three of which are governmental entities.

The Fire Protection classes are rated 1 though 10. Those ISO ratings are used by your insurance company to help determine your fire insurance rates. Please call your insurance company to determine your ISO rate. What we can tell you is how far your house is from a fire hydrant and a fire station. Your insurance company uses that to determine which ISO rating you fall into.

Where and when are flu shots available?For up-to-date information about Placer County flu immunization sites, call the flu hotline (530) 889-7161 to hear a recorded message or click on the link above for more information.

Where and when will blood drives be held? Blood drives at NTFPD are provided through BloodSource and are held periodically at our Tahoe City and Kings Beach fire stations. Please call us at (530) 583-6913 for current information.

Where can I get certified CPR and/or First Aid training? The NTFPD provides American Heart Association emergency medical courses to the public. Please click on the above link for more information.

Where can I get a child safety seat inspection? The NTFPD does not perform child safety seat inspections, however there are several other locations around the lake that provide this service. Please click on the link above for more information.