South Lake Tahoe, CA… In response to the Caldor Fire encroaching on the Tahoe Basin, the City of South Lake Tahoe evacuated more than 20,000 residents in less than five hours on August 30, following an evacuation order issued by CalFire and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. Now that the evacuation order has been lifted for South Lake Tahoe, our residents are repopulating, the air is clearer than it has been in over a month, the skies are blue once again, and the thick haze of smoke has cleared over Lake Tahoe, it is time to announce that the City is open for business.

While US 50 from and to Sacramento and US Forest Service lands remain closed, local businesses are ramping back up. City leaders want visitors to know that they are welcome back to enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe and the many local businesses they love so much. It is important to remember that this is a slow process and visitors and locals alike are asked to remain patient as businesses re-hire, re-stock, and get back to pre-fire, day-to-day operations. In doing so, we have continued to work closely with our lodging and tourist advocates to ensure when visitors return, their experience is a positive and memorable one. This would not have been possible without the extraordinary work done by CalFire, US Forest Service, and other firefighting task forces whose efforts undeniably saved our city.

“In looking forward, I’m grateful that the City and Tahoe Basin were spared from the ravages of the Caldor Fire. We wholeheartedly recognize the value visitors bring to our economy and welcome them back to enjoy our beautiful city,” said City Manager Joe Irvin.

“This has been emotionally draining for weeks over the numerous concerns, but we are resilient, and the countless ways our community has come together to support one another is heartwarming,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “We have so much to be thankful for with the heroic men and women who saved our lives and community. Tragically our neighbors in Echo Lakes, and along the West Slope weren’t as fortunate with hundreds losing their homes. Perhaps the ultimate takeaway is to realize the fragility of our resources and the vulnerability of the places we love.”

South Tahoe Chamber CEO, Duane Wallace welcomes back visitors by saying “The fresh air, crystal blue waters, scenic mountains and great shops and attractions are ready for you.”

“Our businesses are excited to reopen and do what they do best, provide great customer service and contribute to the Tahoe experience. It’s been a challenging time, but we are gearing up for an enjoyable fall and looking toward a festive holiday season ahead,” said Steve Teshara, Chief Executive Officer of Tahoe Chamber.

###

City of South Lake Tahoe

The City of South Lake Tahoe is a general law city in El Dorado County, CA, that was founded on November 30, 1965. Located 190 miles northeast of San Francisco, CA and 60 miles southwest of Reno, NV in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, South Lake Tahoe boasts one of the most unique settings in the world, at the edge of an alpine lake of great natural beauty and environmental value. The city limits encompass an area of approximately 16 square miles with an average elevation of 6,200 feet above sea level and a population of 22,525.