A New Line of Defense for Lake Tahoe

Why Tahoe and the Surrounding Region Need Its Own Firefighting Helicopter Program

Wildfire is no longer a seasonal threat in the Tahoe Basin and the region surrounding it. It is a year round reality shaped by drought, climate change, dense forests, and limited access terrain. When fire breaks out, minutes matter. The faster the initial response, the greater the chance of stopping a fire before it becomes catastrophic.

Tahoe Fire Helicopter was created to close a critical gap in our region’s wildfire defense.

This program is being built to provide a locally based, rapid response helicopter dedicated to wildfire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency support in the Lake Tahoe region. Instead of waiting for aircraft to be dispatched from outside the area, this helicopter will be stationed here, ready to launch immediately when a threat emerges.

Why a Helicopter Matters

Helicopters are often the first and most effective tool in early wildfire attack. They can:

• Reach remote and steep terrain inaccessible to engines

• Drop water precisely where it is needed

• Transport firefighters and equipment quickly

• Support rescue and evacuation efforts

A locally based helicopter dramatically reduces response time and increases the odds of stopping fires while they are still small.

Built for Tahoe, By the Community

Tahoe Fire Helicopter is a community powered initiative. It is designed to work alongside existing fire agencies, not replace them. Our goal is to strengthen what already exists by adding speed, capacity, and local readiness.

Protecting Tahoe means protecting our homes, forests, economy, and way of life. This program is an investment in prevention, preparedness, and long term resilience.

We invite you to follow along, learn more, and be part of building Tahoe’s next generation of wildfire defense.

DONATE TO FUND THE TAHOE FIRE HELICOPTER