Two fires on South Shore this weekend at possible illegal campsites

There were two fires on the South Shore this weekend, both at possible homeless encampments along the edge of the Van Sickle Bi-State Park, one on the Nevada side and the other on the California side.

On Saturday night, Tahoe Douglas Fire responded to a fire in the hillside area behind Bally's Resort. Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the flames and contain the fire to a 10' x 30' area. Two engines and a rescue truck responded. The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District said the probable cause is an illegal warming or cooking fire and asks if anyone saw anything, or has information, to contact Michelle Turner, PIO at 775-580-4350 or the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Then, on Sunday night, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to the area behind Echo and Montreal roads to a report of flames about 50 feet high. Upon arrival, firefighters saw the flames as they were getting into the trees and were able to quickly knock down and keep the burned area to about 30' x 30'. The fire is not labeled as suspicious as they found branches covering what looked like temporary housing and a leaking propane tank.

Both fires were started during windy conditions, and Sunday's fire was during a Lake Wind Advisory.