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Fire at Lake Tahoe

June 25, 2007

Fire at Lake Tahoe
June 25, 2007 –California officials declared a state of emergency on Monday as the Lake Tahoe area battles the largest fire ever reported in the area. The massive wildfire is approximately six miles from the city of South Lake Tahoe and so far is only in the residential area. The blaze had consumed more than 2,000 acres of forest by dawn Monday.

Office of Emergency Services Director Henry Renteria said that nearly 1,000 residents have been required to evacuate and many local hotels have offered free rooms to fire victims.

NTA contacted NTA member Lake Tahoe Travel Authority who says they hope to have more news to report later this week. The travel authority stressed that the fire is only in the residents’ area, not in the visitors’ area at this time. However, they are not allowing new visitors to come in at this time. Check back to This Just In for an update later this week.

Several major highways in the area are shut down or have travel restricted. Interstate 80, which is to the north of the fire area, remains open. According to the California Department of Transportation:

  • Highway 50 is closed to eastbound traffic at Pollock Pines.

     

  • Highway 89 is closed from Pickett’s Junction in Alpine County to 2.7 miles south of the junction with Highway 50. •

     

  • Highway 89 is closed to southbound traffic at Bliss State Park in El Dorado County.

    Those planning to travel into the area are advised to call 1.800.427.ROAD for current highway conditions.

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