Last week’s wildfire in Reno, Nevada, was a painful reminder of how not taking fire safety seriously can result in major loss of property and even life. One man dumped coals and it quickly burned up six square miles of land – including 29 homes.Over 2,000 people were evacuated from their homes as 250 firefighters battled the blaze. A 93-year old woman died.
Just down the road from that catastrophe, Tahoe Donner takes fire safety very seriously. Below is an excerpt from the association’s covenants relating to fire safety. Please take a moment to read it.
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Fire Safety. Owners of lots (both improved and unimproved) are responsible for the maintenance of their lots in a fire-safe condition. C&RS Article VIII, Section 1(a)(iv).
Dumping Ashen Materials. No person shall dispose of charcoal briquettes or ashen material of any kind on any portion of a lot, if such creates a risk of fire or an unsightly condition.
30-foot Defensible Space around Structures. Property owners are responsible to maintain a defensible space zone for a distance of 30 feet (or to their property line) from all structures.
30-foot Defensible Space from Property Lines. Property owners of unimproved lots are responsible to maintain a defensible space zone for a distance of 30 feet from all property lines.
Roofs Free of Dead Vegetation. Property owners are responsible to maintain all roofs of any structure free of leaves, needles, or other dead vegetative growth.
10-foot Clearance from Chimney or Stovepipe. Property owners are responsible to remove any portion of any tree which extends within 10 feet of the outlet of any chimney or stovepipe.
10-foot Clearance from Propane Tank. Property owners are responsible to remove any portion of any tree which extends within 10 feet of any propane tank.
Forest Health. Owners of lots (both improved and unimproved) are responsible for the maintenance of their lots, including the general health of the forest. TDA maintains on its staff a state-certified forester with the responsibility of determining what conditions are conducive to the health of the forest. After making on-site inspections, the TDA Forester may determine that individual trees require removal. Notice to remove such trees, indicating a compliance date, will be sent to owners. Failure to remove such trees prior to the stated compliance date will constitute a violation of the Association Rules. Fines for such violations will accrue until the trees are removed. C&RS Article VII, Section 2; Article VIII, Sections (a) & (l).
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Do you have a question about fire safety at Tahoe Donner? Please feel free to visit the Architectural Standards Office or call (530) 587-9406.