A new leader is stepping into a key role overseeing fire operations in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The U.S. Forest Service has selected Travis Thane as the new Fire Management Officer, Chief 1 for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. He is expected to begin the role May 18.
“We are excited to welcome Travis Thane to the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Dionne Uzes. “Chief Thane brings more than 25 years of wildland fire experience to the position and will provide essential leadership and guidance for our wildland fire program in the Lake Tahoe Basin.”
Thane brings more than two decades of experience and has served in several leadership positions. Most recently, he worked as a division chief on the Eldorado National Forest. His background also includes time in the Tahoe Basin, where he served as assistant fire management officer, Chief two, from August to December 2022.
His experience spans operations, fuels management, incident response, and coordination between agencies.
Thane is also a nationally qualified Type 1 Operations Section Chief and has spent more than a decade working with interagency management teams. His work has included helping develop workforce programs, supporting FIRESCOPE efforts, and advancing training programs across California.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business from California State University, Chico, and completed the Fire Management Program at the Washington Technical Institute.
“I’m honored to step into the fire chief role on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit,” said Chief Thane. “I’m looking forward to working closely with our dedicated forest and fire team and our exceptional partners – to support and strengthen the Tahoe Basin’s fire management program.”
Outside of work, Thane spends time snowboarding, mountain biking, and traveling with his family.
