Last Update:
May 27 2008 03:14 PM PDT
Find information
about the Tahoe Wildfire of June 2007: current status, pictures (including
uploading your pictures), contributing to recognized
organizations, and information about the rebuilding
process. Links to information
below and to the left. These links will be updated with new information
as it becomes available.
Upload
or view pictures. All users, even unregistered, can upload pictures or
enter comments. Pictures and comments are subject to review by site administration.
Got some information, ideas, or comments? Send us an email.
This site is not for profit, other than the ad links
to the side of the page. We recommend contributions to established charities
only; one local charity is the Lake
Tahoe Red Cross (we have no affiliation with them). We are hosting
this site as a public informational service only. Please let others
know about this site.
2008 Hot News!
The big fire report has been released; looking for an electronic copy.
But all the Governors are in town to boldly proclaim actions to help fire
victims, and to prevent future fires. One story here at
the Tahoe Daily Tribune. The Reno Gazette Journal article
is here;
and their full 'Wildfire
2008' coverage.
News from Last Year's (2007) Fire
The
Tahoe
Daily Tribune has many stories and information about the fire, resources
for victims, and background information. This
story talks about the environmental
damage done by the fire. Fire victims should watch out for shady contractors; this
story tells about the 90% who were found "out of compliance" with
regulations and permits. The Lake
Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (located
across the street from Lakeside Inn, has a list of valid contractors.
The Reno
Gazette Journal has
a great
map of the fire area, including specific
details on home damage, evacuation areas. The map is scrollable/zoomable;
looks like a Google Maps mash-up.
Long-Term Tips and Info
We're transitioning to PDF files for stories we find on media sites, so that
the info won't disappear as the media sites move on to other stories. We'll
credit the sources, of course.
Links to Information and Help
Informational links here. This content changes often. Most
links will open a new window. Some sites are under heavy load, so you might
get timeouts (hit the F5 key to reload if that happens).
Other Information
HELP AGENCIES
Representatives from state employement offices, the Office of Emergency
Services, California Department of Motor Vehicles and other agencies
will be available beginning Wednesday (6/27) from 10 a.m. at the Evacuation
Centers.
EVACUATION CENTERS
South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center
1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.
530-542-6056
Lake Tahoe Senior Center
3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
530-542-6094
South Lake Tahoe Middle School
2940 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
530-541-6404
St. Theresa's Church (not needed yet)
1041 Lyons Ave.
530-544-3533
LODGING FOR EVACUEES
(Call first to check on vacancies)
Inn@Heavenly
1261 Ski Run Blvd.
530-544-4244
Value Inn
2659 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
530-544-3959
Deerfield Lodge
1200 Ski Run Blvd.
530-544-3337
EMERGENCY STORAGE
South Lake Tahoe residents affected by the fire can store their trailers,
recreational vehicles, boats and other towable property at Sierra-at-Tahoe
Resort in lot C. Call 530-659-7453, ext. 400 for more information or
go to the administration building from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
REBUILDING HOMES
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is coordinating community workshops
to answer questions and talk about a streamlined process to help property
owners rebuild. For more information, call 775-589-5316 or call the Forest
Service's Angora Fire information number at 530-543-2694.
Rebuilding
On the editorial pages of The Sacramento Bee, read
about the experiences of a victim of the Oakland Hills Fire (registration
may be required). Good article.
The Sacramento Bee' Gilbert Chan
offered these tips for fire victims in a story (pdf
here) about past fire victims experience in rebuilding.
- As wildfire victims
begin the arduous task of rebuilding their homes, experts offer these
tips for dealing with the insurance company:
- Take photographs or video of the scene, including debris piles, before
starting cleanup. Don't rely just on historical records to document the
extent of damage. Get replacement cost estimates.
- Watch out for contractors who want you to sign a contract for non-emergency
work. You first need to agree on the amount of damage that needs to be
repaired and a pricing estimate with the insurer.
- Request a complete copy of your insurance policy. State law requires
that insurers provide a free copy within 30 days after receiving the
request. This is a good starting point before beginning talks with the
insurer.
- Keep track of all activities and expenses after the fire damage to
submit for reimbursement in the rebuilding process.
- To lessen the stress, ask a friend or relative to help you compile
an inventory list of all personal items and deal with rebuilding issues
with the insurance company. Outside adjusters and attorneys are available
for a fee. Adjusters, for example, charge up to 10 percent of the insurance
payout.
- Disaster recovery advice is available online from the state Department
of Insurance and consumer groups such as United Policyholders.
- -- Gilbert Chan
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