City of South Lake Tahoe and tourist agency: Now is not the time to visit Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) is recommending visitors postpone any immediate travel plans to the area due to impacts from the Caldor Fire. The tourism agency representing both California and Nevada on the South Shore consulted with local authorities Thursday, including the City of South Lake Tahoe.

The City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Caldor Incident Command Post said they have been receiving a number of questions regarding tourism and the impact on potential evacuation warnings or orders. Many locals have been concerned that an influx of visitors would hamper locals getting out of town safely should the fire warrant mandatory evacuation orders.

"The City understands these concerns and wants to assure the public that tourism has been a topic of discussion at our EOC," according to the City's press release. "The City has been working with the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and the South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association to identify when hotels would be encouraged to cancel reservations and for what duration."

Many local hotels have seen many cancellations and are currently at limited occupancies, with a number of those guests being evacuees from the Highway 50 corridor and public safety officials participating in the incident response efforts. This is also the case with some of the RV and camper-trailers in town.

“We want all visitors to have a memorable experience in our destination and truly enjoy the Jewel of the Sierra as it is meant to be enjoyed,” said Jerry Bindel, board chair of LTVA and a representative of the lodging group.

When and as appropriate, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority will provide return visitation information and updates on conditions.

“Our thoughts and gratitude go out to all the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to keep our communities safe. And our hearts and hospitality go out to the people who’ve lost their homes,” said Carol Chaplin, CEO and president of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “The current priority is the health and safety for our community and assisting firefighting efforts.”

Outdoor events on the South Shore have been canceled or postponed due to the unhealthy air caused by smoke. Eric Church, Dierks Bently and Phish have all moved their Lake Tahoe shows.

For more information on current conditions:
Air Quality: Airnow.gov
Inciweb on the Caldor Incident: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7801/
Alert Tahoe webcams: http://www.alertwildfire.org/tahoe/
City of South Lake Tahoe Caldor Fire page: https://www.cityofslt.us/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=CALDOR-FIRE-UPDATE-AND-RESOURCES-17