An understory (broadcast) prescribed burn is scheduled to begin on March 30 in the Tunnel Creek area of Spooner Lake & Backcountry State Park. The project aims to reduce the risks of catastrophic wildfires in the Lake Tahoe Basin. If weather is favorable, burn operations are scheduled to conclude on April 3, 2026, but may be postponed as needed.
The project is an interagency effort, involving the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry, Nevada Division of State Lands, and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, as part of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (TEIP) and Nevada’s Understory Burn Project. It will be the first understory burn conducted in the Tunnel Creek area since 2014.
“This project is an example of a collaborative approach to natural resource management, embodied by the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team. Working together, we aim to restore ecosystem health and resilience, improve wildlife habitat, and protect communities from catastrophic wildfires” said Kevin Fromherz, Nevada Tahoe Resource Team Program Manager. “Understory burns are a tool to accomplish these goals.”
Prescribed understory burns are low-intensity fires that help restore natural fire processes in fire-adapted ecosystems, recycle nutrients into the soil, and promote new vegetation growth that benefits wildlife habitat. They are a critical forest management tool that helps improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
Trail and Access Impacts
For public safety, portions of the Tunnel Creek area will be temporarily closed during active burning operations. Closures include:
- East Shore Trail (from the Tahoe Transportation District Tunnel Creek parking lot to the Hidden Beach underpass)
- Tunnel Creek Road (from the entrance near Tunnel Creek Café to the Incline Flume Trail)
- All Tahoe Transportation District Tunnel Creek parking lots
Closures are expected to last a minimum of one day and up to three days, depending on conditions. All areas will reopen as soon as it is safe for public access.
Visitors may see smoke in the area, particularly affecting Incline Village and along Nevada State Route 28. Fire crews and equipment may remain on site after trails reopen. Visitors are asked to remain on designated trails following the burn to protect exposed soils and allow vegetation to recover.
What to Expect
Smoke is a normal and expected part of prescribed fire operations and may be visible for several days. Compared to wildfire smoke, prescribed fire smoke is typically shorter in duration and less intense. Smoke may settle in low-lying areas during the evening and early morning due to temperature inversions.
Prescribed fires are carefully planned and conducted under specific environmental conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness. These efforts help protect Lake Tahoe communities and surrounding forests from the threat of severe wildfire.
Visitors are encouraged to check for updates at parks.nv.gov/news before traveling to the area.
