Trouble in Paradise

Its 5:10 PM Wednesday, June 27, 2007.

As you have no doubt read, seen and heard the Angora Wildfire has been burning for just over three days now. This forest fire has scorched over 3,000 acres, destroyed more than 200 structures most of which were private homes. The fire was roughly 45% contained yesterday afternoon. Winds picked-up when a back-burn backfired and flames jumped the fire line. Thanks to the heroics of nearly 2,000 firefighters the fire was further contained last night and throughout today. The winds predicted for this afternoon have been milder than anticipated, greatly aiding the effort towards full containment. This allowed many of those evacuated yesterday to return to their homes.

As “regulars” know, Inn by the Lake is located in mid-town South Lake Tahoe, across the street from El Dorado Beach and still beautiful Lake Tahoe. We are about four miles from the northern most edge of the affected area. Our neighbor, the city’s recreation center, across Rufus Allen Blvd. has served as an evacuation center throughout this ordeal. On Sunday night the American Red Cross notified us of the need for evacuee housing. Inn by the Lake was one of the first to offer complementary rooms to evacuees. Many other South Lake Tahoe properties have extended this courtesy. Thus, we have had the privilege of serving some truly remarkable families these past few days. The fortunate ones have learned that their houses have been “spared” and are awaiting permission to return home. Those less fortunate, who have lost their homes, are coping as best as can be expected. I was initially amazed by how some of those who have lost everything appear to have accepted their material loss and are ready to move on. Puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s living in Tahoe. With some exceptions, locals tend to cherish the beauty of the Lake and the Tahoe Basin more than the interiors of their residences.

In addition to regular guests and evacuees we have had some of the heroic firefighters staying with us here at the INN. They arrive late and leave early. Can’t say enough good things about these amazing men and women who have worked so hard to save lives, homes and an American Treasure – Lake Tahoe.

Obviously, it will take sometime for those directly impacted by this tragedy to fully recover. However, the sky’s above Inn by the Lake and much of the basin are already beginning to clear. Today, air quality continues to be lousy but once the fire is further contained, the same afternoon breeze that spread the fire on Sunday will quickly clear the basin on another day.

Please wish us well and visit Tahoe soon.


Best Regards,

Dan