Remembering the Caldor Fire Five years ago today, what would become just the second wildfire on record to jump the granitic crest of the Sierra Nevada ignited near Grizzly Flats, Calif., more than 60 miles west of the Tahoe Basin. We are joining our partners on the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team today to remember the 221,000-acre fire, the evacuation of 30,000 Lake Tahoe residents, and the firefight that saved Lake Tahoe communities. As the Caldor Fire bore down on hundreds of homes in the southern portion of the basin, the wind shifted and fire crews found that fuel reduction projects and defensible space work in the area gave them the chance they needed to fight the fire more aggressively, ultimately changing the outcome of a destructive megafire. The 10,000-acre scar is a reminder that we live with fire. The clear, blue lake and the neighborhoods that were saved are a reminder that we can make a difference together. #TogetherforTahoe Photos by: Copernicus Sentinel Satellite, U.S. Forest Service, CalFIRE, TRPA
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This fire was terrifying, but also a testament — to our communities, who worked hard to harden their homes against wildfire, and to the successful firefight born of the professionalism of our local, state, and federal firefighters, whose coordinated effort protected Lake Tahoe. It's proof that the investment we make in defensible space, fuels reduction, and firefighting capacity pays off when it matters most.
I broke my ribs on this fire!
I will never forget that fire and the challenges we had with bi-state evacuations. We took the opportunity to learn, adjust and pivot. I believe initiatives we implemented from that fire will go on to save lives. Anyone on that fire came away with a new appreciation for our community and those who unwaveringly sacrifice to protect us.