Devastating Lake Tahoe wildfire now 95 percent contained
The Associated Press
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
The wildfire that destroyed at least 254 homes south of Lake Tahoe was 95 percent contained late Sunday, the U.S. Forest Service said.
Officials continued sending firefighting crews home Sunday as the blaze became less of a threat. By Sunday evening, 459 firefighters remained in the area, from more than 2,000 at the fire's peak, with the number expected to fall further on Monday, said Bernie Pineda, a fire information officer.
A U.S. Forest Service investigation identified the cause of the destructive blaze as an illegal campfire built in a campfire-restricted area, authorities said Friday. Officials said there was no evidence it was deliberately set to spark the devastating wildfire that has displaced about 3,500 people.
The illegal campfire was built about a quarter-mile south of Seneca Pond, a popular recreation area south of Lake Tahoe, officials said.
Pineda said full containment was expected Tuesday.
Published: Sunday, July 1, 2007 19:37 PDT
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1 comment:
Thanks Kae for all of your efforts in keeping us posted on the fire. You spoke of media overload where you're at but I've been suffering media underload here. Seems the national and local news agencies have let the story drop for spicier stuff...Paris Hilton gossip & such. Without your updates I wouldn't know what was happening down there in my beloved Tahoe. Here's to your brave efforts and my sincerest wishes for all residents of the area who have been affected.
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