South Lake Tahoe fire held to one-quarter acre in size; cause under investigation

11AM UPDATE: - This morning, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR), U.S. Forest Service, and CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit responded to a small wildfire behind Motel 6 on US50 in South Lake Tahoe. The fire was reported at approximately 9:25 a.m. and forward progress has been stopped.

According to SLTFR Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen, the fire burned about 1/4 acre in the meadow behind Motel 6, an area known to be frequented by homeless with encampments. Koeppen said the large plume of smoke came from items at a camp burning beside brush, no propane tank, but transient belongings.

The cause is under investigation but is suspicious in nature.

USFS has the whole holiday week from Friday through Tuesday with an incident command due to the potential of fire and the large influx of visitors. They have been treating it as one management situation for years.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) is responding to a fire reportedly behind Motel 6 on Lake Tahoe Blvd. A big plume of smoke can be seen from the Tahoe Keys Marina and witnesses say they can see flames in the Trout Creek Meadow.

First responders are heading to the area so please watch for emergency vehicles.

This is a developing story. Details will be updated as more information is available.