Save the Tahoe Basin
Helicopter
SEEKS FUNDS FOR FIRE RESCUE
by Lee Koch
L
ast summer, the Caldor and Tamarack fires were a wake-up call to all of us throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond. And with precipitation levels and regional snowpack at lower levels than average, all are concerned about what the summer will bring. While assessing the past and planning for the future, the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District acknowledged that there are no dedicated aerial resources within the Basin to assist with fires and emergency rescues, and there is a desperate need to have an aggressive, immediate response helicopter with services to support this initiative. By purchasing a Fire Rescue Helicopter to serve the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas, officials believe we could dramatically increase the ability to save lives, properties, infrastructure,
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wildlife, and the National Treasure that is Lake Tahoe. Right now, a formal fundraising program is underway to support the initiative through “Operation Save the Tahoe Basin,” and it is well underway. This spring, the initiative received a financial boost of $100,000 that was raised in just 20 minutes. What started as an annual company meeting for Chase International Real Estate turned into an unprecedented event to support “Operation Save the Tahoe Basin.” Through donations at every level, with matching funds from Chase Cares, which is a companywide mission to support local community needs, and EKN Development Group, owners/ developers of the Revitalize Tahoe Biltmore project, the
fundraiser is on track. This program will provide the much-needed immediate emergency response to the entire Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding area. In addition to the Fire Rescue Helicopter, the funds for the program will also provide: Initial f ire attack that would suppress f ires quickly when they are small - 24/7 Emergency rescue from the air - 24/7 The capability of dropping 1,000 gallons of water on a f ire The ability to drop a Helitack Crew on the ground for f ire suppression An onboard paramedic with full advanced life support
