The Olympic Valley Firewise Community was created in order to raise the awareness of the risk of wildfire within our community. The group was founded by local residents David Stepner, Andrew Lange and Michael Carabetta.
The first effort of the team was to get certified as a National Firewise Community. Thanks to the work of the community in documenting their efforts in protecting their homes from the risk of wildfire, we were designated as a National Wildfire Community in 2020.
Soon after we undertook an effort to have a Community Wildfire Protection Plan developed for Olympic Valley. The creation of this plan, driven by the PSD, has enabled Olympic Valley to secure grants to reduce the fuel in our surrounding forests as well as create firebreaks to minimize the risk of wildfire spreading within the valley. Details of the plan can be seen at: OV Wildfire Protection Plan
Both the Olympic Valley PSD and Palisades Tahoe Ski Area have been partners in helping raise the awareness of wildfire. Palisades Tahoe yearly helps host a mock Valley evacuation drill. Participants include CalFire, California Sheriffs Department, and the OV Fire Department
On occasion we have asked the community for donations. As such, the Olympic Valley Firewise is hosted by the Friends of Olympic Valley 501(c) so that all donations to the group are tax deductible. The Friends group is also kind enough to provide us website and email support.
And of course, we are always looking for volunteers!