Editor’s note, Jan. 26: Updated information on fire from Truckee Fire Protection District.

NORDEN

On Jan. 20 at around 5 p.m., a fire broke out at Sugar Bowl Resort’s Mid Mountain Café. According to Sugar Bowl public relations consultant Rachel Soeharto, the Sugar Bowl team suppressed the fire using snowmaking hoses. Truckee Fire Protection District Chief Kevin McKechnie said all Truckee Fire resources along with some from Cal Fire were sent to respond to the fire, effectively extinguishing it.

According to McKechnie, extensive damage was caused to part of the building. There is an ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the fire, but Truckee Fire’s preliminary analysis suggests a cooking appliance started the blaze.

Sugar Bowl closed its lodge on Jan. 21 and has yet to determine damage and repairs. The fire marshal and Placer County Building Department are working to isolate the damage so Sugar Bowl can continue using the rest of the building.

McKechnie said Sugar Bowl and Truckee Fire have been creating an emergency response plan due to the challenges posed by snow in the winter. Transportation of equipment and availability of water can be difficult with Sugar Bowl’s snowbound lodges. The plan allowed for quick action on Jan. 20.

~ MR