Tahoma cabin fire a reminder of importance of smoke detectors

TAHOMA, Calif. - During the recent blizzard at Lake Tahoe, Karen Nielsen found herself facing much more dangerous conditions than the heavy snow and high wind - fire.

On December 11 around 3:30 a.m., Karen was awakened by a smoke detector in her cabin. A short in the home's electrical panel had ignited the cabin's walls. She got out safely and was immediately supported by the kindness of her community.

Neighbors Ed and Lolly Miller "went above and beyond to help me out," Karen said in a social media post. Ed, who plays emcees the area's annual Christmas celebration, proved to be Santa in real life as pushed through the four feet of snow to get to Karen. He stayed with her before and during the arrival of the fire department which was delayed due to the conditions.

"He was a rock, made sure I was ok and helped me through a very chaotic situation. I was wet and cold from head to toe and Lolly gave me things to wear, coffee to drink and even their sweet dog, Frizzy, stayed with me to comfort me," Karen said of the Millers. "They were truly amazing."

Ed thanked Mike Tillery who plowed a path for the firefighters after they got high-centered in the rapidly rising snow. While Karen's home was a complete loss, firefighters were able to protect the rest of the homes in the neighborhood.

Karen had recently moved full-time into the cabin owned for a few decades by her parents. She said she appreciated the outpouring of support from the community. Sunnyside put her up in a room for a few days, fed her, and "treated me with the utmost kindness."

"I have loved living here and will rebuild," added Karen who is in Los Angeles until she finds a rental home to stay in while rebuilding. "The West Shore is truly amazing and helped me make it through one of the worst experiences of my life."

Both Ed and Karen want to remind the public of getting smoke detectors as they saved her life and would do the same for others facing a fire, especially in the middle of the night when one is asleep (CO2 as well).

Ed also reminds residents of the importance of shoveling out fire hydrants near homes so firefighters can get access to water when needed. Miller serves as board president for the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District.