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Harrah's and Harveys begin reopening phases Wednesday

As the community returns and businesses start to reopen, Caesars Entertainment announced the schedule for gaming and hospitality at Harrah's and Harveys.

Operations will be phased in starting September 8. They had reduced operations due to supporting local emergency services, fire crews and essential staff.

Fire activity continues on the Caldor Fire which is now 217,568 acres, 50% contained

The Caldor Fire remains at 50 percent contained this morning with a size of 217,568 acres.

East Zone

Overnight crews continued to work throughout the East Zone. In the Desolation Wilderness, specialized crews trained in Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics which are designed to create effective fire line using the lightest touch possible on the landscape, worked late into the night constructing hand line and mopping up. These self-contained crews will remain in the Wilderness, allowing them to maximize their time fighting fire

LTVA extends deadline for nonprofits to apply for $85,000 in grants from American Century Championship

The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) has announced a deadline extension for local non-profit organizations to apply for funds resulting from the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. Due to evacuations of the Caldor Fire, the new deadline is Monday, September 13, 5:00 p.m. (PT).

The application is available at: https://ltva.org/american-century-championship-donation-request-application/.

Caldor Fire reaches 50% containment, just over 217,000 acres in size as more residents return home

The Caldor Fire grew to 217,007 acres Tuesday and is now 50 percent contained. Even when the containment is 100 percent, there can still be smoke and fire within the boundaries, fire officials said today during the daily briefing.

Just because there is a black line for containment doesn't mean its safe to go in, the fire managers said.

East Zone

"We want you back in the worst way," said Lake Valley Fire Chief Brad Zlendick. "We'll get you home soon."

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY

There have been 184 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since Friday.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 654 cases - +13 - The 14-day new case rate is 79 with 582 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 2767 cases - +36 - The 14-day new case rate is 269 with 633 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 598 cases - +17 - The 14-day new case rate is 72 with 766 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 646 cases - +9 - The 14-day new case rate is 199 with 684 per 100,000 residents.

Still not the time to visit South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As some residents are now allowed back into their homes, there are still many residents under mandatory evacuation orders. Even those who are allowed home remain under evacuation warnings.

There is also a lot of smoke in the area, with hazardous air conditions in the forecast from not only the Caldor Fire, but also the Dixie Fire. When there is hazardous levels, N95 masks are the only ones to fully protect lungs.

Cascade to Meeks Trail Study Webinar is canceled due to evacuations and fire

Due to the ongoing evacuations and emergency caused by the Caldor Fire, the State Route 89 Trail Study webinar scheduled for September 14, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. has been canceled.

"Our thoughts are with the thousands of displaced residents during this extremely stressful time. We are grateful for all the heroic efforts of firefighters and other emergency personnel working to protect our communities," organizers said in a press release.

Please stay alert for updates on the West Shore Tahoe Trail webinar rescheduling.

Evacuation orders lifted in county for Al Tahoe Blvd. to east of Elks Club Drive; warnings remain

Good news for more residents of the South Shore, with evacuations orders lifted for the county neighborhoods from Al Tahoe Boulevard to just east of Elks Club Drive.

Evacuation orders have been lifted, though evacuation warnings remain.

South and North Upper Truckee and Meyers remain under evacuation orders at this time.

There will be another daily 5:00 p.m. community meeting hosted by Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado unit on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CALFIREAEU/. This will include daily news from the west and east sides of the fire.

New South Lake Tahoe company offering free afternoon childcare for returning evacuees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new local company is offering two weeks of free childcare for families returning from evacuation. CodeFu is a company started in the Bay Area in 2015 and is now based in Stateline.

They are an after school coding enrichment program.

Fill out this form to join in on the free two weeks from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. from September 13 to 24.

They are searching for location(s) to hold the program, depending on how many sign up.

Firefighters continue to strengthen containment line - Caldor Fire now 49% contained, 216,646 acres

The Caldor Fire is now 49% contained and 216,646 acres in size, almost 300 acres more since Monday afternoon.

East Zone

Overnight, multiple crews continued to work throughout the East Zone of the Fire. Suppression Modules worked late into the night mopping up and constructing hand lines near Ralston Lake in the Desolation Wilderness and remained in the area overnight; in doing so, these specially trained firefighters will be in place to continue their work early this morning.

Letter: 1,000 National Guard fire fighters are not enough

As I gaze out the window from my Lake Tahoe home into the smoky abyss that has engulfed our usually crystal-clear sky, I wonder how we came to the current pyrogenic apocalypse and if it could have been prevented? I certainly understand the current drought conditions that precipitated the possibility of dangerous fire conditions, but I have a hard time understanding why our elected representatives failed to prepare for the catastrophic wildfires that now are ravaging our forests and polluting our air.

Caldor Fire Monday evening update: 48% contained, 216,358 acres

The Caldor Fire did not grow during the day Monday and firefighters were able to get the containment line to 48 percent. To date, 216,358 acres have burned.

East Zone

Fire Fighters continued their hard work throughout the entire East Zone as they performed aggressive direct fire attack and mop up. An additional Wildfire Module was inserted today in the Desolation Wilderness, bringing the total to two. These specialized crews can operate in the wilderness for up to 14 days unsupported.

Barton given go-ahead for reopening emergency room and acute services

Barton Health has announced the reopening of its Emergency Department and acute care services Monday after the California Department of Public Health and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development approved the reopening. They had been closed after evacuating due to the Caldor Fire.

Effective immediately, community members can receive treatment at Barton Emergency Department including advanced life support services for emergency needs. Emergency imaging and laboratory services are available.

Current services:

Barton Memorial Hospital
2170 South Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA

Body found floating in Lake Tahoe Monday afternoon

UPDATE: The man whose body was found in Lake Tahoe on September 9 has been identified as 77-year-old Manouchehr Tajeran who was a resident of South Lake Tahoe. His family has been notified.

Cause of death is drowning, manner of death has been accidental according to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - First responders are at the shore of Lake Tahoe after a person was found floating in the lake Monday afternoon.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District will begin classes when all neighborhoods repopulated

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the community starts to return to South Lake Tahoe, Meyers and Christmas Valley, the question on the minds of many parents is, when do my children return to school?

Community Disaster Resource Center back up and running for Caldor Fire - seeking donations and finding those in need

The Community Disaster Resource Center (CDRC) is once again in use as the community comes back together after evacuation from the Caldor Fire.

Monday morning Caldor Fire Update: 216,358 acres and 44% contained

Firefighters continued to work tirelessly throughout the night, patrolling and holding the fire at current perimeters. Crews continued the aggressive direct attack, mop up, and building upon previously constructed handline.
In the areas of upper and lower Echo Lake, the fire activity was minimal. The crews continued mop up and patrol.

In Meyers and Christmas Valley, the fire continued to creep and smolder in the interior sections. Crews mopped up and improved the containment line in addition to patrolling around the structures.

Barton Health reopens with limited services

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the repopulation of the city of South Lake Tahoe, Stateline and Zephyr Cove communities, Barton Health is providing medical services to the community.

Services include:

Barton Urgent Care
24/7 Urgent Care Services until Barton Emergency Department opens
155 Highway 50, Stateline, NV
775.589.8901

Barton Medical Offices
Virtual/phone visits for most service lines
MyChart communication for all service lines

South Lake Tahoe garbage collection resumes Monday; Additional drop off locations set up

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Refuse collection service will resume in the repopulated area of the South Shore on Monday, September 6. Many customers of South Tahoe Refuse will have spoiled food and/or garbage due to the evacuation and are offering a solution before collection days. Bears and other wildlife will be extremely active as residents return, so a reminder to not put any food-related garbage out on the curb until the morning of collection day.

They are offering free temporary drop-off locations for household garbage and spoiled food only:

Slight chance of rain this week in South Lake Tahoe as highs remain in the 80s

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Plan for prolonged periods of poor air quality due to smoke from the Dixie and Caldor fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin and western Nevada until fire activity is greatly diminished.

Smoke will fill portions of the Tahoe Basin and settle into some western Nevada valleys during the overnight and early morning hours. Lighter winds through the weekend may limit smoke dispersion in the afternoons and evenings which would allow smoke to linger in valley locations.

Sunday evening Caldor Fire update: It remains at 215, 400 acres and now 44% contained

The Caldor Fire, which started back on Saturday, August 14, remains at 215, 400 acres and is now 44 percent contained.

East Zone

Firefighters continue to make progress around all portions of the East Zone. Due to the outstanding work of the crews and their aggressive mop-up, firefighters were able to add a good amount of containment line today.
Evacuation Orders for South Lake Tahoe city limits were downgraded to an Evacuation Warning at 3:00 p.m. today. They hope to get other neighborhoods in the county portion of the South Shore opened in next couple of days.

Message from STPUD on returning to South Lake Tahoe homes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When it becomes safe to return home after the Caldor Fire, please flush your waterline by running an outdoor hose bib for a few minutes or until the water runs clear. Water that has remained in your home’s plumbing during evacuation periods can result in taste or odor issues. To resolve this issue, run each of your inside taps for a minute.

South Lake Tahoe city residents can return home after mandatory orders lifted, county must wait

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Less than a week after being forced from their homes due to the encroaching Caldor Fire, some residents of South Lake Tahoe are able to return home as of 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Mandatory evacuation orders are being lifted, but the area will still be in a yellow zone and be aware at all times of the news about the Caldor Fire (to see current evacuation map, visit HERE).

Go Fund Me set up for local ski patroller who lost Sierra Pines home in Caldor Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Caldor Fire did a lot of damage and destroyed homes in the Sierra-at-Tahoe area near Echo Summit one week agao. One of those homes belonged to Jim Bitner, a fixture at the ski resort and in the community.

Bitner's friends have set up a fire recovery GoFundMe account to assist him during this difficult time.

Growth has slowed on the Caldor Fire: 43% contained, 215,400 acres burned

The Caldor Fire in El Dorado County is now 214,112 acres in size and 43 percent contained.

East Zone

Firefighters will continue their aggressive direct firefighting tactics and mop up operations in all areas of the fire. Last night, fire behavior was minimal to moderate, and crews held the fire within containment lines.

Some areas see devastation from Caldor Fire over the Sierra

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - While all homes in the Lake Tahoe Basin have survived the Caldor Fire, homes from Echo Summit to Twin Bridges, and further west have not been so lucky. Assessment is ongoing and, to date, teams have accessed about 80 percent of the homes in the burned areas. On the west of side of the fire in Grizzly Flats, hundreds of homes didn't not survive.

Weekly recap of COVID-19 for counties around Lake Tahoe

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Weekly roundup of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in counties around Lake Tahoe, except for El Dorado County which is a daily update.

EL DORADO COUNTY

There have been 71 new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County since Friday.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 654 cases - +3 - The 14-day new case rate is 82 with 604 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 2767 cases - +20 - The 14-day new case rate is 272 with 640 per 100,000 residents.

After 21 days, the Caldor Fire is 43% contained, 214,112 acres in size

Douglas County residents have been able to return to their homes at Lake Tahoe, but South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Christmas Valley and Tahoma residents remain evacuated.

Containment lines are around 43 percent of the fire, meaning a line is around that much of the perimeter, not that the fire is 43 percent extinguished. There are still some areas within the boundary that are burning.

Since the fire started three weeks ago, 214,112 acres have burned. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

East End Report

Douglas County Community and Senior Center moving back to normal services

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Community & Senior Center (DCCSC) will be an active evacuation center for Douglas County and Alpine County residents through the Labor Day Weekend. As of Friday there was one person housed at this center which was operated by Douglas County Emergency Management and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). All South Lake Tahoe evacuees from the Calder Fire were moved to the Reno Sparks Convention Center.

Caldor Fire and wildlife, what to do as we return home to South Lake Tahoe

Soon we'll all be returning to our Lake Tahoe homes. No doubt we'll have a lot to mentally digest as we return.

Residents of Douglas County can return home after mandatory evacuation orders removed.

Mandatory evacuation downgraded to precautionary evacuation warning in Douglas County, though South Lake Tahoe, Meyers and Christmas Valley are still closed. There is one grocery store open at the south end of the lake, Safeway at Round Hill. It is suggested getting essentials before returning as lines are long and hours are shortened due to staffing levels.

Effective: September 4, 2021, 1:00 PM.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS ARE NO LONGER MANDATORY BUT REMAIN ON WARNING
Upper Kingsbury (South)
Upper Kingsbury (North)
Central Kingsbury
Lower Kingsbury

Letter: Why we stay behind


Why would utility workers stay behind during these deadly, destructive fires? We pack our families and send them away and we stay behind. We say goodbye to our families and pets, not knowing when we would see them again, or if our home will be there in the end, or when resolution will finally come.

Why?

Lake Tahoe students displaced by Caldor Fire can enroll in Carson City Schools while evacuated

The ravaging toll of wildfires have caused thousands of residences and families in the Lake Tahoe communities to evacuate their homes and be displaced to shelters throughout northern Nevada. The Carson City School District is inviting all evacuated families in Carson City with school-aged children to enroll their students through the McKinney-Vento Students in Transition program.

Board of Supervisors hold special meeting focused on recovery efforts for the Caldor Fire.

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors today announced it will hold a
special Board meeting on September 10th, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss County initiatives to address the impact of the Caldor Fire and plans to begin the recovery process. It will be held on Zoom and in person in Placerville (instructions here).

The Board will receive reports from the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, the County Assessor, the Registrar of Voters, the Treasurer-Tax Collector, and Environmental Management in regards remediation and

Friday night Caldor Fire: 32% contained, 213,270 acres burned

More residents on the western end of the Caldor Fire were able to return home Friday, the first time in almost three weeks for some of them. As of Friday evening, the fire has burned 213,270 acres and is 32 percent contained.

East Zone

Multiple arrests in South Lake Tahoe during mandatory evacuations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple law enforcement agencies have been in South Lake Tahoe since the Caldor Fire started its eastward surge toward the lake. They assisted with evacuations after the orders were issued on Sunday and Monday, and since then have been on neighborhood patrol looking for those who chose to stay in town for nefarious reasons.

Law enforcement is working 24/7 to keep the community safe while residents are gone.

There have been several arrests this week of South Lake Tahoe residents caught looting during a mandatory evacuation order.

City of South Lake Tahoe seeks Federal Major Disaster Declaration to open funds for residents

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe is requesting that the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) to continue to request from the White House a Federal Major Disaster Declaration and approve California Disaster Assistance Act funding.

President Biden approved a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance on Sept. 1, but South Lake Tahoe City Manager wants the further request as it would allow for evacuated residents and public agencies to apply for federal assistance once approved.

Tourism bureaus and U.S. Coast Guard asking visitors to stay away from Lake Tahoe

Even though the Caldor Fire continues to burn on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, the northern end of the lake is open and visitors could try and visit this Labor Day Weekend. It will not be safe on the water with limited resources able to respond to emergencies.

Crews taking advantage of weather, Caldor Fire now 29% contained after 212,907 acres burn

Overall activity on the Caldor Fire decreased overnight due to moderate humidity recovery and a decrease in winds. Firefighters took advantage of these favorable conditions to build more control line and work direct along the northern edge of the fire. Spot fires from the wind event two days ago continue to be found and firefighters engaged when safe to do so. Minimal fire growth occurred in the Kirkwood area. Today crews will work to tie in more control line and mop up.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 60 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in El Dorado County since yesterday.

Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 651 cases - +6 - The 14-day new case rate is 83 with 612 per 100,000 residents.
El Dorado Hills - 2747 cases - +19 - The 14-day new case rate is 265 with 624 per 100,000 residents.
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 594 cases - +0 - The 14-day new case rate is 72 with 766 per 100,000 residents.
North County - 642 cases - +4 - The 14-day new case rate is 106 with 732 per 100,000 residents.

Caldor Fire Thursday night update: 210,893 acres burn, 27% contained

Today fire behavior decreased in western areas thanks to slow wind speed across the fire. The fire continues to back down towards US50 in multiple locations due to the heavy dead/down fuels. Aircraft and hand crews worked throughout the day to secure more control line along the southern edge of the fire near Kirkwood and Caples Lake, keeping it north of Hwy 88. Tonight, firefighters will take advantage of lighter winds and cooler temperatures to construct additional control lines. Damage inspection is in progress with approximately 65 percent of structures inspected to date.

Caldor Fire officials credit good fuels management in protecting South Lake Tahoe

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Caldor Fire has been kept away from homes on the South Shore due to effective fuels treatment, said fire incident command during the nightly 5:00 p.m. meeting on Thursday. They highlighted the area above Apache Avenue, saying firefighters encountered 150 foot flames in the Caldor Fire when it came into the Lake Tahoe Basin, but once it hit the treated fuels, those flames dropped to 15 feet and they could get the fire out.

Special Grand Jury indicts former Douglas County employee for theft

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A former case manager for Douglas County has a warrant out for her arrest after a special grand jury has indicted her on two counts of theft.

Rena Petri, a current resident of Oakland, allegedly used her position to create fraudulent documents for fictitious rental assistance in the amounts of $2,400 and $2,000.

Three years after the Douglas County Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline was created, the program resulted in the investigation leading to the indictment of Petri.

Getting mail while evacuated and election day ballot info

Update: The Elections Office will have a representative at the evacuation centers where ballots for the September 14 election can be requested. They will then go back to Placerville, get ballots for each person that requested them, and return to the evacuation centers.

* * *

Some residents start to return to Caldor Fire burn areas on West Slope

Since the Caldor Fire started in Grizzly Flats on August 14, more than 50,000 resident have been evacuated in El Dorado, Amador, Alpine and Douglas counties.

More evacuation orders have been changed or lifted this morning, there are no changes to the orders in Lake Tahoe:

The following Evacuation Warnings have been lifted in El Dorado County.
CEMENT HILL - South of Omo Ranch Road accessed from Farnham Ridge Road.
FARNHAM RIDGE – South of Omo Ranch Road East of 8N62 to the Amador County Line.

Calmer winds forecast as the Caldor Fire reaches 210,259, 25% containment

There were calmer winds and a return of moderate humidity to some areas of the fire overnight, though spotting and fire spread still occurred along the
northern edge of the fire, according to the CalFire's Thursday morning update. Firefighters will work today to bolster lines pockets of previously unburned fuel threaten existing control lines. Damage inspection is in progress with approximately 60 percent of structures inspected to date.

COVID-19 cases for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - There have been 607 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in El Dorado County since Friday. Roughly 250 of those were due to issues with the electronic lab reporting connection between certain providers/testing sites and CalREDIE that occurred over the past few weeks. These cases were from the first three weeks of August and from now on, the County expects to receive full daily sets of data. As always the case rate, as opposed to the daily case counts, best illustrates the recent trend in confirmed COVID cases.

California State Schools chief to visit Caldor Fire, highlight fundraising for impacted schools/teachers

Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, will join El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala on Wednesday at the Calder Fire. They will be there to gain a first-hand perspective of how the fire is impacting schools in the area and to offer support to displaced residents, as provided by the California Department of Education Foundation’s (CDEF) Emergency Response Fund.

From the Rabbi’s desk as we evacuate the city we love

It’s easy to panic.

It’s easy to lose hope.

But we will not.

We need to evacuate South Lake Tahoe. The haze and smell of smoke are constant reminders of the wildfires raging miles away and the peril that now faces our city.

But panic is not what we want.

We all must take strength from our beautiful community. As Jews we draw inspiration from our forefathers and their trust in G-d — despite what it may superficially seem.

Farmers Insurance sets up mobile claim center for those impacted by Caldor Fire

Concerned for their customer's safety, Farmers Insurance has set up a mobile center at Lowe's in Carson City.

If you have been impacted by the Caldor Wildfire, they are set up for assistance with claims and information.

Contact your Farmers agent, file a claim online or visit the Mobile Relief Site set up at Lowe’s, 430 Fairview Dr Carson City, Nevada between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

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