Caldor Fire heroes greeted by appreciative South Lake Tahoe residents

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The tributes to Caldor Fire first responders continue in South Lake Tahoe, with gratitude from restaurants giving free meals to locals standing on street corners to say "thank you" with signs, hoots and hollers.

As the fire roared toward Lake Tahoe, the work done by fire fighters kept fire away from homes, saving what would have been complete devastation to South Lake Tahoe and Meyers. Then hundreds of law enforcement from across the state patrolled the streets to ensure homes were protected from looters and other disturbances.

One of those corners has turned into a big nightly celebration. For the last few evenings, people have been standing at Ski Run Boulevard and Needle Peak Road as the fire crews return to the base lodge at Heavenly after their daytime shift ends at 7:00 p.m. The celebrants have been showing up about 6:30 p.m. and staying almost two hours to show their appreciation.

The first night was a few people who live in the condos near by, and one of the participants posted on social media what they did and invited others. On Saturday night there were about 70 people, young and old.

"The smiles on the faces of these men and women when they see us, is truly incredible," said one of those on the corner, Melissa Henke. "They’re even hanging out of their rigs with their phones taking video!"

Some fire fighters were walking around, handing out stickers and meeting their appreciative supporters.

This celebration followed another earlier in the week on High Meadows Trail (see here).