SERENE LAKES, Calif. – Tahoe Prosperity Center (TPC) installed a critical wildfire detection camera on Donner Summit last month thanks to the generous support of the community. This project significantly enhances early detection and response capabilities, protecting lives, homes and the surrounding environment. TPC and the Serene Lakes Property Owners Association (SLPOA) raised funds to expand the ALERT Wildfire Network to include Serene Lakes, Calif. Truckee Fire Protection District’s (TFPD) Measure T grant funding was also awarded to support this new camera. 

“These locally funded Community Wildfire Preparedness Projects are invaluable to our community. Expanding the use of early fire detection technology and software in our fire district is critical for community safety, situational awareness and detecting wildfires earlier,” said Dillon Sheedy, forester for Truckee Fire. “The community’s generosity played a vital role in making this project a reality.” 

This network, operated by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Seismological Laboratory (NSL), safeguards 22% of high-risk fire zones across California, Nevada and Idaho. “The NSL is pleased to support the community by installing the Serene Lakes camera and we’re committed to continue growing the ALERT Wildfire camera network in Lake Tahoe,” said Bill Savran, associate director of the NSL. 

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Barbara Pelletreau, a Serene Lakes homeowner, was the initial volunteer to organize local fundraising efforts for a camera. “Safety is a team sport and it took a cast of dedicated players to place this camera for Serene Lakes,” said Pelletreau  “On behalf of the Serene Lakes community, we thank the many!”

The newly installed camera is strategically placed on the Soda Springs Ski Resort ridge, offering a comprehensive 360-degree view encompassing Serene Lakes, Soda Springs and the west side of Interstate 80. This addition to the AlertWildfire.org network provides early fire detection, rapid notifications and enhanced community safety. The SLPOA Safety Committee, along with the community and various stakeholders, worked tirelessly to advocate for this camera system. This camera is particularly valuable during peak season, ensuring everyone in the community receives timely notifications.

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The Serene Lakes community is actively engaged in fire mitigation efforts. Stakeholders like the Tahoe National Forest, defensible space non-profit Headwaters, the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT), TFPD, Royal Gorge/Sugar Bowl, and individual residents all contribute to maintaining defensible space. However, even with these efforts, early fire detection remains critical for protecting lives and property. The successful installation of this wildfire detection camera marks a significant milestone for Serene Lakes. It demonstrates the power of community collaboration and the importance of investing in early detection systems to protect lives and property.

TPC extends its sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to this project. The generosity of many has made a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of this community.