As the 4th of July draws near, anticipation builds for the fireworks over Lake Tahoe. This cherished tradition brings our community together in celebration of both our nation and the breathtaking beauty of our lake. But with this excitement comes a shared responsibility to protect the environment that makes Lake Tahoe so special.
Lake Tahoe is our most treasured asset, and safeguarding its pristine beauty is a priority for those who live, work, and visit here. As a world-renowned destination, the lake’s health affects not only the environment but also our local economy. Large events like fireworks displays raise important environmental considerations—particularly pollution from debris and contaminants in the water. Our goal is to reduce this impact in every way possible.
To support this effort, Incline Fireworks has partnered with Clean Up The Lake, ECO-CLEAN Solutions, IVGID Parks and Waste Not, and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. Together, we’ve established strict cleanup protocols and are commissioning research to better understand the environmental effects of fireworks.
“We appreciate the collaboration, coordination, and shared commitment of all agency partners working together to ensure a safe and enjoyable community celebration.”
Fire Chief Ryan Sommers of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
Comprehensive Cleanup Initiative:
Incline Fireworks is leading a multi-day, multi-organization cleanup effort that includes ground crews, boat crews, dive teams, water sampling, and data analysis. This coordinated response addresses immediate debris concerns while also conducting a scientific assessment of fireworks-related pollution—setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in our community.
Clean Up The Lake will deploy boat crews immediately after the fireworks and again the following day to collect floating debris before it can drift into deeper waters. In addition, dedicated dive teams will conduct surveys between 0–50 feet to recover submerged debris. ECO-CLEAN Solutions will operate the BEBOT beach-cleaning robot across Incline Beach, Ski Beach, Hermit Beach, and Hyatt Beach, while mapping litter locations. Meanwhile, Blue Crew volunteers and IVGID staff will walk the shorelines to collect debris along the water’s edge.
In a joint statement, JT Chevallier, Co-founder + Chief Strategy Officer at ECO-CLEAN Solutions, and Colin West, CEO of Clean Up The Lake, said:
“ECO-CLEAN Solutions and Clean Up The Lake are proud to join forces with Incline Fireworks, IVGID, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, and all the dedicated partners to better understand and reduce the impact of firework debris on Lake Tahoe. This Fourth of July, we’re not just celebrating, we’re collecting important data and taking action to protect the lake from pollution at its source.“
The Clean Up The Lake team will document and categorize all debris, with special attention given to fireworks-related items. Written and photographic records will be combined with ECO-CLEAN’s and IVGID’s data to produce a detailed summary of the event’s environmental impact. If you find debris from the fireworks show, please contact the cleanup hotline: 530-606-0157.
Photo credit: ECO-CLEAN Solutions.
Water Quality Testing:
To protect Lake Tahoe’s ecosystem, IVGID and Clean Up The Lake will conduct water quality sampling before and after the fireworks event. These tests will help detect any pollutants, such as firework residues, that could affect the lake’s water quality.
Independent Environmental Impact Report:
While we’re passionate about celebrating as a community, we know it must never come at the cost of Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty. That’s why we’re collaborating with environmental and fire safety experts to reduce the footprint of this celebration.
Following the event, Clean Up The Lake will publish an independent, data-driven report outlining the impact of the fireworks program. These insights will help shape future decisions, ensuring we preserve this iconic lake while continuing to enjoy our cherished traditions.
We Need Your Help:
The cost of the fireworks program and the clean up efforts come at a great expense. Your donation supports not just the fireworks, but the divers, shoreline crews, water testing, and environmental reporting. If you haven’t contributed yet, please consider donating today. Every dollar makes a difference. We truly appreciate your support!
