Agencies governing the Lake Tahoe Basin should loosen regulations to allow for mechanized thinning of forest land susceptible to wildfire, Congressman John Doolittle, R-Rocklin, said in a telephone press conference Thursday.

"I think the climate has changed, and I would hope that we may see the change reflected in the regulation action of the TRPA (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) and Lahontan," Doolittle said. "Part of the problem is the Forest Service has been walking the tight-rope of consensus, not getting to the stream environment zones they would like to do."

The path of the Angora fire followed the southern portion of Angora Creek during the initial stages of its northern advance. The creek is considered a sensitive stream zone. These zones are spread throughout the basin and have become a breeding ground for dense brush, trees and thick undergrowth considered dangerous fuel for fire.

Regulations have stifled efforts ...