The Tahoe community showed its tight bond in the wake of the devastating Angora Fire, which burned approximately 250 homes and 3,100 acres. As of press time, the fire cost approximately $11.3 million to battle and property damage was estimated at $160 million. The fire was 100 percent contained just before the Fourth of July and the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce said everything was back up and running. Over the holiday, visitor numbers were down only down five to 10 percent from normal.
We have all been touched either directly or indirectly and we have all reached out to help our neighbors. Firefighters courageously worked long hours to combat the fire. Motels, casinos and restaurants welcomed firefighters by providing hot meals, sandwiches and rooms. Centers collecting donation items were filled quickly and subsequently closed. And we all sent our thoughts and prayers.
The affected community has moved into the healing and recovery phase; here are ways to continue to help.
• Purchase services and products locally and regionally whenever possible and avoid shopping online or off the hill. This ensures that your dollar is multiplied within your community as business owners survive and much needed sales tax revenue goes to local government.
• Keep the survivors and their needs at the forefront of our minds especially through the holidays and into next year. There will be many opportunities to assist and volunteer as homes are repaired, rebuilt and yards cleaned well into next year.
• The Locals for Locals Angora Fire Fund was set up immediately after the fire started. Donors can go to any U.S. Bank or mail their donation to Locals for Locals Angora Fire Fund at PO Box 17640, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96151. A board of local community leaders will coordinate distribution of these funds with all monies staying local.
• Businesses who want to donate a percentage of their sales can contact Jana Ney Walker at 530-544-6119 to participate in the Tahoe Businesses Who Care Program.
• Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation established an Angora Fire Relief Fund. Call 530-587-1776 or mail your donation made payable to TTCF to P.O. Box 366, Truckee, CA 96161.
