COURTESY OF :
U.S. Forest Service
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
35 College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 543-2600
Date: September 25, 2014
Contact: Public Affairs, Cheva Gabor (530) 543-2608 or Lisa Herron (530) 543-2815
Cascade Fire Update, September 25, 4:15 p.m.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif. –The Cascade Fire burning near Snow Lake on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe continues to hold at 30 acres. The wildfire is located entirely in the Desolation Wilderness and poses no threat to structures at this time. No evacuations and no road closures are in effect, and the Forest Service is working closely with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office to ensure they have the information they need to protect local communities.
This morning, engines from Lake Valley FPD and Calfire were dispatched to patrol the Spring Creek Tract and Cascade Properties in the unlikely event of fire spread. This afternoon, precipitation moved into the area, reducing the risk of increased fire activity. Intermittent patrols will continue.
While winds have prevented the use of aircraft on the fire today, Forest Service Hot Shots, CalFire, and other agency resources are on scene and working to contain the fire.
In addition to Bayview, Eagle Falls, Tallac, Glen Alpine and Stanford Camp trailheads, and Bayview Campground, the Forest Service has closed Inspiration Point and the Taylor Creek Sno-Park for public safety and to allow for suppression operations. California State Parks has temporarily closed vehicular access to the Vikingsholm parking lot in the event it is needed for fire suppression equipment.
CalTrans and the California Highway Patrol have closed turnouts in the Highway 89 corridor from Spring Creek to the Vikingsholm parking lot to keep the highway traffic flowing to enable fire apparatus and crews ready access to the area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but has been determined to be human-caused. This wildfire is not related to the King Fire currently burning west of Lake Tahoe.
With the King Fire still burning, the Forest Service is asking people to remember that fire restrictions are still in place in the Lake Tahoe Basin and to abide by those restrictions. Fire restrictions mean that no open fires or campfires are allowed outside of campgrounds with an onsite host. Campfires are never allowed in the Desolation Wilderness, only portable stoves are allowed with a valid campfire permit.
For more information about fire restrictions, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/FireRestrictions.