Tahoe police upping patrols for Fourth of July weekend

TAHOE CITY, Calif. — Local law enforcement and public safety entities are beefing up patrols — and maybe getting a little wet — to keep the North Tahoe area safe during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

For the second straight year, an alcohol ban is in effect on the Truckee River from Tahoe City to the River Ranch on Highway 89. The ban is from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5.

Lt. Allan Carter of the Placer County Sheriff's Office said deputies will patrol the riverside on foot and in the river on a raft to identify violators.

“And we're not adverse to getting in the water,” Carter said.

A Dumpster will be made available at the river's mouth in Tahoe City, Carter said, offering rafters the option of dumping their booze.

Deputies issued one citation last year, Carter said, but won't shy from issuing them this year. The initial ticket, a civil infraction, is $150, with the second citation costing $500 and a third at $1,000.

Road patrols

The California Highway Patrol is employing extra shifts and personnel to ensure the roadways are safe, as well.

Officer Steve Skeen out of the CHP's Truckee office said the agency will have an expanded presence in the basin, with the assistance of 12 extra motorcycle officers deployed from Sacramento who are expected to patrol Highways 89 and 267 between Truckee and the North Shore, down the lake's West Shore and along the North Shore to the Nevada border.

Skeen said the motorcycle patrollers are expected to remain at the lake from Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5. In addition, CHP will deploy additional DUI patrols on the night of July 4th, but Skeen said he couldn't specify how many more officers will be out.

Fireworks watch

Carter said deputies will be on the lookout for residents and visitors who are using personal fireworks — a first offense felony — over the holiday weekend and will be accompanied by North Tahoe Fire personnel on any response to a report of fireworks use.

The North Tahoe Fire Protection District is reminding all residents and visitors to be fire safe over the holiday weekend.

All consumer fireworks are prohibited in Lake Tahoe. The use of consumer fireworks can lead to devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death. Not only are safety precautions a concern, the cost of suppression and any other liability caused by fireworks is the direct responsibility of those persons caught with fireworks in their possession.

Tips from NTFPD for kid's fire safety

Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.

Never leave young children alone with an open flame.

Teach older children to use fire responsibly.

If you suspect your child is setting fires, get help immediately.