California Local Helps Keep Tahoe Safe from Wildland Fire

July 3, 2007 – In the wake of the Angora fire, which consumed 3,100 acres and 254 homes in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Lake Valley, CA Local 4409 is working with the Nevada Fire Safe Council on a “Keep Tahoe Safe with Defensible Space” charity project designed to deter widespread damage.

Money raised for the fund will be used to educate citizens in the South Lake Tahoe basin about how to create defensible space – which includes eliminating flammable debris — surrounding their residences. In addition, dollars will be spent to help the elderly and disabled clear the areas around their homes, giving them protections against wildland fires.

“A lot of people lost their homes in this fire,” says Andy Kaufer, president of Local 4409. “We have the Angora fire contained, but this will not be the last wildland fire to strike our area. We need to be proactive.”

Kaufer hopes that the efforts of “Keep Tahoe Safe with Defensible Space” will keep the damage to a minimum in future events.

“Keep Tahoe Safe with Defensible Space” is currently raising money with T-shirts sales and donations. For more information about the charity and how to donate visit the Keep Tahoe Safe with Defensible Space web site.

The Angora fire is now contained, and is believed to have been started by an illegal campfire. However, investigators have not named any suspects.

Residents who did not lose their homes in the fire have been allowed to return to their homes. However, since the basin is currently under Red Flag fire conditions, they are not allowed to use fireworks, build campfires or smoke outdoors until further notice.