Wildfire Is Now Part of Tahoe’s Story

In August 2021, a wildfire ignited near Grizzly Flats in El Dorado County. Over the next 68 days, the Caldor Fire burned more than 200,000 acres of forest land and destroyed 782 structures, forcing over 50,000 residents in South Lake Tahoe and nearby communities to evacuate. The fire transformed what felt like a distant threat into a pressing reality for the Tahoe Basin. Preparedness starts the work, but restoration and resilience carry it forward.

From Smoke and Ash to Lake Clarity

When Caldor’s smoke and ash blanketed the Basin, Keep Tahoe Blue and the Tahoe Fund supported scientists to ask a critical question: How does wildfire affect Lake Tahoe’s clarity and health?

Research led by the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Desert Research Institute found that wildfire ash carries fine particles and nutrients through streams, feeding algae blooms and clouding the Lake’s famously clear waters. According to Laura Patten, Natural Resource Director for Keep Tahoe Blue, the finding reveals how events high in the forest canopy ripple all the way to Tahoe’s shoreline. This data helps scientists understand how the Basin responds to fire and how to support its recovery.

From Crisis to Collaboration

Once the flames subsided, Tahoe’s focus shifted from emergency response to ecosystem repair. Through events like the Keep Tahoe Blue’s annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day, land managers, agencies, and volunteers have helped stabilize affected areas, plant native seeds, and prevent erosion before sediment makes its way to the Lake.

Restoration isn’t just about repairing what was lost. It’s about getting Tahoe’s forests and watersheds in shape to withstand the next wildfire threat.

Fire as a Tool for Resilience

In Tahoe, fire itself has become part of the solution. Forest managers use prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, and indigenous forest management practices to reduce hazardous fuels and create more resilient ecosystems.

Controlled, low-intensity fire restores forest health, helps old-growth trees thrive, and minimizes the chance of catastrophic wildfire. These proactive methods may initially make the forest appear bare, but they greatly enhance survival in the event of the next wildfire threat.

The Unseen Effects: Smoke, Ash, and Runoff

Even after a fire ends, its footprint remains. Burned soils and ash wash into streams with rain and snow, increasing turbidity and nutrient levels — both major threats to Tahoe’s clarity. Data from citizen scientists and monitoring programs show clear spikes in nitrogen and sediment following the Caldor Fire, reinforcing how closely forest health and lake health are connected.

Projects like Desert Research Institute’s Project Ashfall and the Citizen Science Tahoe webapp empower the community to submit wildfire ash data and photos to help scientists study these impacts. Every observation is valuable information that helps paint a clearer picture of how fires affect Lake Tahoe’s skies, waters, and recovery.

Living With Smoke and Staying Prepared

Wildfire smoke serves as a visual indicator of nearby danger and poses serious health risks. Both visitors and residents can take steps to protect themselves and the Lake by:

• Checking local air quality before recreating outdoors (AirNow or Tahoe region monitoring programs ).
• Creating a clean-air space at home and keeping N95 masks on hand during fire season.
• Reporting ashfall and water-quality issues using the free Citizen Science Tahoe webapp.
• Review Living With Fire’s Wildfire Evacuation Checklist to prepare your household.

A Symbol of Renewal

At the new Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center, the railing surrounding the education center and wrapping up the stairs is made from wood reclaimed from the Caldor Fire, charred, repurposed, and standing Tahoe strong. It’s a reminder that Tahoe’s recovery isn’t just environmental, it’s deeply personal and rooted in renewal and resilience.

How You Can Help Tahoe Stay Wildfire Ready

You don’t need to battle flames to make a difference. Here’s how to be part of Tahoe’s resilience story:

• Volunteer: The spring and fall Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day events help restore forests, watersheds, and protect critical habitats.
• Stay informed: Learn the different ways you can get involved and help protect Tahoe.
• Report impacts: Use the Citizen Science Tahoe webapp to submit valuable data and photos of smoke, ash, and more.
• Advocate & donate: Tahoe’s future is in your hands. Your support is the key to ensuring Tahoe’s future remains bright for future generations.

Tahoe’s Future: Stronger Than Before

Wildfire threats are not going away, but Tahoe’s approach is evolving. Through collaboration, science, and community, we’re transforming recovery into resilience, proving that when the smoke clears, what remains can be stronger than what was.