Living in forested and mountain environments comes with a shared understanding: preparation is part of everyday life. Just as coastal and urban regions plan for earthquakes or storms, Tahoe communities plan for wildfire. Evacuation planning is one of many tools that help residents stay informed and ready - much like keeping an emergency kit or understanding local weather patterns.
With that in mind, Washoe County has launched a new countywide evacuation planning effort called Swift Exit, and residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay are invited to participate. (link)
Led by Washoe County Emergency Management, the Swift Exit study combines technical modeling with community input to better understand how evacuations may function during emergencies such as wildfires. Third-party experts are analyzing traffic flow, fire behavior, and evacuation timing across the county, while residents are being asked to share on-the-ground knowledge that models alone can’t capture.
For Tahoe communities, evacuation planning reflects the realities of mountain living - limited road access, seasonal population changes, and reliance on a small number of primary routes. These factors are part of daily life in the region and are central to long-term safety planning.
The Swift Exit Community Portal allows residents to review study materials, explore interactive maps, and complete a public feedback survey. Participants can note traffic patterns, neighborhood access issues, or past evacuation experiences that may help inform future planning.
Public input will be used to support evacuation planning efforts across Washoe County, including the Tahoe Basin. The survey remains open through March 30, 2026, allowing time for thoughtful participation. Residents who live, work, or regularly travel through Incline Village and Crystal Bay are encouraged to learn more, participate, and share the survey with neighbors and community groups.
Read the full article for additional context (link) and visit the Swift Exit Community Portal to participate (link).