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.

Bitner not only is a ski patroller at Sierra-at-Tahoe, he also teaches wilderness first responder and wilderness first aide classes at Lake Tahoe Community College in South Lake Tahoe.

"Jim, a Tahoe legend has done nothing but pour his heart and soul into his community. His roots have grown deep in Tahoe and into our hearts. If you know Jim, then you know he is an independent, self-sufficient guy. He hasn't asked for any assistance. This fundraiser has been made by his friends who do what friends do...take care of each other," said his friend Jessica Braren on GoFundMe. "If you wish to donate, know that 100 percent of proceeds will go directly to Jim."

As of September 5, over $20,000 had been raised including a donation from the Sierra Avalanche Dogs. For more information, visit HERE.