Business Plan Summary 

This business plan presents a clear, actionable strategy to protect the Lake Tahoe region through the establishment of a permanently stationed Type 1 firefighting and rescue helicopter. Led by the Lake Tahoe Regional Fire Chiefs Association and supported by partner agencies across Nevada and California, the initiative addresses one of the region’s most pressing and costly risks: catastrophic wildfire and delayed emergency response.

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Recent wildfire seasons have made the stakes unmistakable. The Tamarack and Caldor Fires revealed how vulnerable Lake Tahoe remains, even when flames do not enter the basin. In 2021 alone, wildfire impacts resulted in an estimated $400 million loss in tourism revenue, threatening local businesses, jobs, and public services. With continued population growth and more than one million surrounding acres of wildfire fuel, rapid, local aerial response is no longer optional, it is essential.

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The proposed program establishes a dedicated Type 1 helicopter permanently based in Zephyr Cove, capable of launching within six minutes, day or night, year-round. Type 1 helicopters deliver substantially greater fire suppression capacity than traditional assets and are proven to stop fires during initial attack, when outcomes are most favorable. Beyond wildfire suppression, the aircraft provides life-saving services including search and rescue, advanced life support medical transport, avalanche response, and critical emergency support across the region.

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The plan outlines a disciplined, three-phase implementation approach designed to ensure accountability and long-term sustainability. Total projected costs are approximately $28.3 million, covering aircraft acquisition, infrastructure, and full operational readiness over three years. The plan intentionally allows flexibility for donors, enabling contributions at a range of levels while advancing a shared regional solution.

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A defining feature of this initiative is its integration with education and workforce development. The helibase at George Whittell High School will function as both an operational center and a hands-on training environment for students pursuing careers in firefighting, emergency medicine, and aviation. This dual-use model delivers immediate public safety benefits while building a skilled, local workforce for the future.

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The program is supported by a broad coalition of political leaders, regional fire chiefs, and federal and state agencies including CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service. This level of endorsement reflects strong regional alignment and readiness to execute.

 

Key Takeaways 

• Immediate impact: A locally stationed Type 1 helicopter dramatically reduces response times, increasing the likelihood that fires are suppressed before becoming catastrophic.

• Proven effectiveness: Type 1 helicopters deliver significantly greater fire suppressant capacity and support a wide range of emergency missions beyond wildfire response.

• Regional protection: The program safeguards lives, property, critical infrastructure, tourism, and Lake Tahoe’s irreplaceable natural environment.

• Responsible implementation: A phased, three-year rollout ensures fiscal discipline, operational readiness, and long-term sustainability.

• Enduring legacy: Donor support funds not only emergency response capacity but also education, workforce development, and the next generation of regional first responders.

• Broad backing: Strong support from elected officials, fire agencies, and federal partners underscores the project’s credibility and urgency.​​