The following Blog has been compiled by monitoring news reports.
Sunday 24 June 2007
Around 2pm a large fire started south of Lake Tahoe and east of Fallen Leaf Lake. Tourists provide 80% of the area's income.
USDA Forest Service Website - "Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe's beautiful, sapphire-blue waters straddle the California-Nevada state line. The lake's elevation averages 6,225 feet, and surrounding peaks reach heights of up to 10,880 feet. Relaxation and recreation abound in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Please come and enjoy one of your national treasures."
27 June 2007
The fire has destroyed 200 homes since it started near the town of Meyers. Many hundreds of homes and approximately 2000 people near the lake have been evacuated. The fire is 55% contained. California Govenor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, toured some of the worst fire affected areas.
28 June 2007
Health Officials lifted a recommendation that saw some outdoor events cancelled and non essential businesses shut down. El Dorado County have provided a smoke warning for the fourth day in a row. The fire has destroyed 229 homes. Some roads and campgrounds remain closed. Those campers cancelling bookings may get deposits refunded.
800 homes and 275 businesses are still under threat. Damage to property is estimated at more than US$140m.
As at 28 June, the USDA Forest Service reports that 3,100 acres have been affected. Further statistics include:
Committed Fire Resources: 2,174
Engines: 164
Crews: 51
Helicopters: 21
Dozers: 4
Water Tenders: 15
Fire fighting costs to date are estimated at US$5.7m.
Other Reports:
- The state Air Resources Board has set up five monitoring stations.
- Widespread domestic underinsurance reported.
- The Gardner Post Office cleared out 80,000 pieces of mail as the fire approached.
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Lake Tahoe Airport has been taken over by firefighting aircraft.
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Casinos, Hotels,and tourist attractions in the area are facing cancellations.
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Wedding consultants said they had to find alternate venues for brides getting married this weekend.
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Apex Inn, South Lake Tahoe, reported all bookings had cancelled for this weekend.
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According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, July is the largest month for casino revenue.
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South Lake Tahoe's July Fourth fireworks show routinely attracts 100,000 people to the area.
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The biggest wedding extravaganza has been reported at Lake Tahoe on 7 July 2007 ie. 7-7-7 "the ultimate winning number". Love's Wedding Chapel in South Lake Tahoe had 20 back-to-back weddings in the chapel scheduled on 7 July and others scheduled at Emerald Bay and Baldwin Beach were being relocated.
At 8.25pm 28 June 2007 The Joint Information Center advised the fire is now 70% contained.
30 June 2007
The USDA Forest Service report the cause of the fire to be from a campfire.
El Dorado County Undersheriff Fred Kollar announced that effective 8:00 AM, Saturday, June 30, 2007, all remaining areas previously evacuated and closed due to the Angora Fire will be open to residents.
1 July 2007
USDA Forest Service reports the fire is now 85% contained.
Fire destroyed at least 254 homes south of Lake Tahoe.
459 fire fighters remain in the area (from more than 2,000 at the peak of the fire).
U.S. Forest Service costs to fight the fire to date US$10,900,000.
2 July 2007
Insurance Journal reports:
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Insured losses estimated between US$100-150 million.
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Under and uninsured losses unknown.
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3,100 acres destroyed.
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More than 300 structures destroyed.
Legislation in 2004 modified insurance policy disclosure and changed homeowner policies to "limited replacement cost coverage" to provide a better understanding of the cover provided. The legislation also requires Insurers give customers notice every other year about underinsurance and how insurance cover should be reassessed regularly.
Author
Claim Solutions Pty Ltd.
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