Fire danger high today, Labor Day

The Lake Tahoe Basin is under a red flag warning from the National Weather Service in Reno.

The warning was issued because very dry and gusty conditions are expected through today and into Labor Day, according to the weather service.

For the duration of the warning, fire service personnel will display red flags and signs on all stations. In addition, all personnel are suspending regular duties and are out on neighborhood patrol, enabling even faster response than usual.

Engines, ambulances and utility and command vehicles will display warning signs. An additional brush engine will also be available in the area.

A red flag warning does not require any actions by residents and visitors other than heightened awareness and vigilance.

If flames or smoke are seen, fire officials ask residents to call 9-1-1 immediately to speed firefighter response.

Local hand crew update

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District’s Rifle Peak Hand Crew is fighting the East Slide Rock Ridge Fire near Jarbidge, Nev. Jarbidge is near Nevada’s northeast border with Idaho.

Chief Mike Brown of the NLTFPD said that the crew is fine, but currently out of cellular range.

The fire, as of Friday night had burned about 50,000 acres and has claimed three log cabins in the Jarbidge area, although no one was hurt, according to the Western Great Basin Coordination Center. The blaze is about 10 percent contained

The 20-man Rifle Peak crew is part of a total 713 fire personnel stationed on the blaze.