SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Four suspicious fires were started in South Lake Tahoe on Monday near Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care at Pioneer Trail and Al Tahoe Blvd. There was a large response from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Valley Fire, U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), CalFire, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. Calstar also assisted with aerial surveillance.
According to LTBMU, each of the four fires was between 1/4 acre and 1/2 acre. Forward progress on each one was stopped, and clean-up is underway.
The cause of the fires is under investigation, and it is suspected they are all human-caused.
One of the fires was on the property of Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, outside of their main perimeter fence. They safely prepared all animals to be evacuated, but the fires were extinguished before that became necessary.
Fortunately, there was no need for a full evacuation. All of the patients were safely crated and ready to go, but the first responders were able to quickly and effectively contain the fires.
“We are extremely thankful to the first responders, our staff, and the volunteers who acted swiftly and calmly under pressure,” said LTWC Executive Director Catherin Mendes. “Their quick response made all the difference in ensuring the safety of everyone involved.”
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