Fire overnight damages South Lake Tahoe motel

10:45 a.m. Update: What remains of the back of the Deerfield Lodge was evident this morning with smoke still coming from the ruined two story section. Six rooms were damaged with the three on the top floor totally destroyed by fire, and the three on the bottom with extensive water damage. Five vehicles were also damaged.

Fire Chief Jeff Meston told South Tahoe Now that the initial first response with 15 fire fighters worked very well in getting the fire contained to the lodge. During the night there were 10 engines, 1 ladder truck, 5 paramedic units and 6 chief officers at the fire scene. It was a coordinated effort between SLTFD, Tahoe Douglas Fire, CalFire and Lake Valley Fire.

Meston said the firefighters had difficulty fighting the fire because the upstairs railing and walkway fell. No firefighters were injured but two guests were transported to Barton Memorial Hospital with injuries. Those staying upstairs had to jump to the ground. One woman had significant injuries do to the fall. Names and conditions were not released.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. They were going through debris this morning and will send items off to the lab for analysis.

The displaced hotel guests were returning to Deerfield Lodge this morning to gather belongings. Those who were staying in the severely damaged rooms don't have anything to go back to since wallets, clothes, shoes, toiletries, cell phone charges and everything else they traveled with were destroyed.

One of the families in a top floor unit is visiting from New Jersey. With their flight on Saturday, City Manager Nancy Kerry is working with relatives at home to get copies of passports and identification so the family can board their airplane.

A couple from Ireland was also staying in the hotel.

The Deerfield Lodge owners are traveling to South Lake Tahoe from Arizona. Insurance investigators were on the fire scene this morning along with fire investigators. The Lodge owners are working to get their insurance to get money and supplies to the occupants of the damaged rooms.

In the meantime, hotel employees are helping to coordinate a drive with the city to gather needed items. People may drop off cash, toiletries, clothing, restaurant gift certificates and iPhone chargers at the hotel, located at 1200 Ski Run Blvd. Their phone number is 530-544-3337 but those interested in donating should go through the city at 530-542-6016 so duplication of items can be avoided.

Original Story:

An early morning fire at the Deerfield Lodge on Ski Run Blvd caused significant damage, sent two people the hospital and displaced the 35 guests that were staying at the property.

Fire destroyed the back of the hotel. According to Fire Chief Jeff Meston, fire damage is estimated at $2M to $2.5M.

Sirens could be heard throughout South Lake Tahoe just before midnight on Wednesday night when the fire broke out. Tahoe Douglas sent trucks into fight the fire with the SLT Fire Department, as did Lake Valley Fire and CalFire.

The fire was contained by 2:35 a.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The injuries of the guests are unknown at this time. The SLT Fire Department said they were seriously injured when jumping from the second floor.

City Manager Nancy Kerry was on the scene during the fire and coordinating efforts to get the families evacuated a place to stay for the night, and back on scene this morning. She said Lakeside Inn donated rooms for the night and Kerry was on her way over to speak with the displaced guests this morning.

Since the Red Cross only steps in for emergencies for residents, Kerry is asking people to help the 5 to 6 families left without anything until the Deerfield's insurance can step in and help. The Lodge owner is working with them this morning in getting emergency funds for the guests.

The families need cash, toiletries, meals and clothing for a couple of days. Sizes and age of those needing the emergency clothing are being gathered by Kerry and South Tahoe Now will provide more information once known. Those that can help are asked to call 530-542-6016.

Kerry said that the families need a place to stay as well. Most left their rooms without I.D., wallets and other essentials.

Those that used airplanes to get to South Lake Tahoe have to work on emergency identification so they can board their return flights.

Video provided by Michelle Kezer