USFS plans prescribed burns on Tahoe’s west, south shores

RENO — The U.S. Forest Service is preparing to resume some prescribed burning operations on Lake Tahoe’s west and south shores intended to help thin forests and reduce wildfire threats.

The agency’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management hopes to begin work on Monday, weather permitting, in South Lake Tahoe around Ski Run Boulevard and the Heavenly ski resort. They also plan burns on the west shore in Blackwood Canyon between Tahoma and Tahoe City, California.

Officials say they’ll continue the work for several weeks if the conditions are good.

Crews will conduct test burns before igniting a larger area, to verify how effectively fuels are consumed and how the smoke will travel.