Hundreds evacuated from Montbleu due to fire Friday night

A fire in the air handling unit at Montbleu Resort in South Lake Tahoe forced the evacuation of all casino and convention center patrons on Friday evening.

According to Eric Guevin, Fire Marshal for the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, the motor of the air handling unit caught on fire, forcing smoke into the hallway between the convention center and the casino floor.

One ambulance and fire engine from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded along with four engines from Tahoe Douglas.

The quick response from fire fighters put the fire out while it was still contained in the unit and it did not spread.

"The problem is resolved," Guevin told South Tahoe now at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Soroptimist's 45th Annual 'An Evening of Food and Wine' was taking place in the convention center at Montbleu when the fire started. Everyone was evacuated but they were going to be heading back shortly after 7:30 p.m.

Montbleu management was not available for a comment.