AlertTAHOE is a one-of-a-kind Fire Camera system that provides live and time lapsed views of the ridgelines and forest in and around the Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Reno region that can detect wildfires in the very early stages and at night. A devastating wildfire not only damages our environment, but has significant impacts to our community and economy as well.
“The entire cost of the AlertTahoe system of preventative fire cameras is $2 million or 1.25% of the cost of the Angora fire. Rapid detection and response to wildfires are the best option to protect our community, environment, and economy,” stated Dr. Kent.
The UNR Seismological Laboratory launched the AlertTahoe campaign in 2015 to raise $2M dollars to place a total of 30 cameras throughout the region (13 exist, 8 more are being installed in July/Oct., 2016, 9 in 2017), along with associated telemetry infrastructure, and a user-friendly web portal for use by emergency response personnel and the interested public. This combined effort will take approximately 2-3 years to build out and operational costs over the next decade have been included in the target goal. The urgency of this project is only heightened by a prolonged drought, bark beetle die-off, and recent firestorms such as the Rim, King and Valley fires.
Each camera costs about $30,000 including the camera, tower, equipment, installation and connections to the network. Fundraising for cameras at Zephyr Cove, Alpine Meadows, Bald Mountain and Martis Peak are near completion. Other priority sites for fundraising include Slide Mountain (near Mt. Rose Ski Area) as well as Fallen Leaf Lake and Emerald Bay on the South and West shores of Lake Tahoe. TLOA is looking to raise the funds for remaining cameras commencing in 2017.
Visit the AlertTAHOE website to view real-time fire camera monitoring, and to check out the existing earthquake monitoring alert system.
BE PREPARED: A Wildfire-Minded Spring Cleaning Checklist
Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. But by working together, residents can make their own property, and their neighborhood, much safer from wildfire. Consider these action steps for around your home:
