South Lake Tahoe home a total loss after early morning fire
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/13/2023 - 9:19am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A early morning fire in South Lake Tahoe destroyed a home on Blue Lake Avenue along Trout Creek. A 4:22 a.m. Saturday, May 13, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) and South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) were called to the home which was unoccupied at the time.
Flames were seen several feet into the sky upon arrival of first responders. Fire personnel were able to keep the damage to the home and the historic Knox Johnson cabin next door appeared to have no damage. Trees around both houses were not burned.
Homeowner Joe Gottula was surveying the damage Saturday morning as his contractor arrived. He has owned the home since 2000 and was emotional as he shared his love for the house and the unadulterated view of Trout Creek and Heavenly.
"We love this place," said Gottula. "We are heartbroken."
Gottula said his home's wifi that feeds his camera system stopped at 3:01 a.m. It is possible the fire started at the time and smoldered until emergency dispatch received the call over an hour later, but that is unknown until the investigation by SLTFR is completed.
