Quick fire response to fire caused by illegal fireworks at Cave Rock

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A very quick response by multiple firefighters kept a 4th of July fire under an acre at the Cave Rock boat ramp.

Just after the big South Shore fireworks show, Lights on the Lake, got underway, a group at Cave Rock started its own show with consumer fireworks, firing off shells into the sky. A fire started and everyone involved with the illegal fireworks show fled the area.

A quick response by the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) kept the flames from going too far uphill into a residential area. The fire burned less than an acre but there was spotting on the east side of US-50 as well as the hillside below the highway, prompting officials to shut down the road for almost an hour as they put out the fire.

"The chief had us fully staffed due to the possibly big weekend," said TDFPD Fire Marshal Eric Guevin. It was because of that staffing they could respond so quickly, from both of the permitted fireworks areas at Glenbrook and Stateline.

TDFPD also had the benefits of the Zephyr Crew and shoreline wild line crew, all of who remained in the district for the holiday and hadn't been sent to any other fires.

Guevin said they had the fire contained within 30 minutes, then mopped up.

"If resources were not there, and with the terrain and wind, this could have been much worse," said Guevin.

The group that was setting off the illegal fireworks left behind some items and leftover firework product and the matter is under investigation. There is also some video footage from bystanders and nearby residents which could lead to action by law enforcement.

"The guys did a great, quick job," added Guevin.