The Caldor Fire started on August 14, 2021 near Little Mountain, south of Pollock Pines in El Dorado County. A Declaration of Emergency was signed by the Governor and the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency in response to the fire. Evacuation orders and precautionary warnings were announced in parts of Douglas County.
Over the course of a lifetime it is common to be exposed to a traumatic event. The Caldor Fire could be considered one of these events. After a fire your sense of security can also be lost and that can significantly disrupt the normality of your daily life. You shouldn't underestimate the challenges of evacuations and repopulation after a fire.
Resources
Returning Home After Evacuations
Safety Precautions and Instructions for Returning Home After Caldor Fire Evacuations - English
Safety Precautions and Instructions for Returning Home After Caldor Fire Evacuations - Spanish
Returning Home
Returning Home After Evacuations
Checking Your Home's Structural Elements
Checking Your Home's Utility Services
Cleanup of Fire Ash and Debris
Food Safety After a Fire
Reducing Exposure to Ash
Safety Precautions for Re-Entry and Clean-Up After a Fire
What To Do Before Returning Home After a Wildfire
Wildfire Fire Chemical Clean-Up
Local Utility Needs
Douglas County Lake Tahoe Sewer Authority: (775) 588-3558
Douglas County Public Works: (775) 783-6480
South Tahoe Refuse: (530) 541-5105
Drop-off of Residential Household Waste/Spoiled Food
South Tahoe Refuse has a few options for residents in the basin to drop off household waste free of charge. The following locations will operate September 6, 2021 through the weekend.
Tahoe Douglas Fire Station #23
193 Elks Point Road, Zephyr Cove, NV
Monday, September 6th - Friday, September 10th | 1pm-5pm
Saturday, September 11th & Sunday, September 12th | 8am-5pm
South Tahoe Refuse Transfer Station
2140 Ruth Ave., South Lake Tahoe, CA
Monday, September 6th - Sunday, September 12th | 8am-5pm
Bijou Park
1201 Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA
Monday, September 6th - Friday, September 10th | 1pm-5pm
Saturday, September 11th & Sunday, September 12th | 8am-5pm
(Look out for STR garbage truck in the parking lot)
Be Bear Aware
It's always bear season in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Keep bins closed and locked, contain all garbage to protect from animal access.
Make sure to keep all animals out of garbage by:
- Garbage is out curbside no sooner than the morning of collection
- Using cans with tight fitting lids, even inside bear boxes
- Making sure bear boxes are secure
- Be a part of the solution to mitigate animal access
Mental Health
Red Cross Recovering Emotionally Resources
The American Red Cross established a hotline for residents who have experienced significant emotional distress from the Caldor Fire. Please reach out at 1-800-733-2767 for help.
Local Behavioral Health Resources
Barton Mental and Behavioral Health Services
Carson Tahoe Health Behavioral Health Services
Carson Valley Medical Center Behavioral Health Outpatient
Douglas County Behavioral Health Emergency Contacts
Douglas County Social Services
Family Support Council
Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Tahoe Youth and Family Services
Donations
Caldor Fire Relief: How You Can Help
Roads
View current Nevada road closures here.
Local and state officials are reminding visitors to practice extreme caution while traveling on the roadways. As roads open up, traffic can be heavy. Please plan accordingly, be patient behind the wheel, and limit non-essential travel as much as possible.
GIS Map
Click here to view fire map
Food
Carson Valley Community Food Closet
Food Safety After a Fire
Residents who have been evacuated from the Caldor Fire are encouraged to stock up on essential needs before returning home. Local shops and businesses may see a delay in shipments, supplies, and restocking.
General Improvement Districts
Round Hill General Improvement District
Kingsbury General Improvement District
Structure and Damage Assessments
Should you need an assessment, call the Douglas County Manager's Office at 775-782-9821.
Recovery and Coping
In the middle of a crisis, it can become difficult to take care of yourself with so many other worries preoccupying your mind. However, this is a good time to think about your personal resiliency, healing and a sense of normality. Some self-care strategies you may want to consider are:
• Regular exercises, meditation, and deep breathing.
• Allowing yourself to feel bad, cry, and release negative emotions in a healthy manner.
• Giving yourself permission to feel good.
• Making small decisions daily in order to feel in control.
• Putting off major life decisions, such as switching jobs, if possible.
• Lowering your expectations of what you “should be doing.”
• Not isolating yourself too much.
• Spending time with people.
• Talking with friends and family.
• Taking advantage of community support.
• Focusing on what you are thankful for.
• Staying away from mood-altering substances, such as alcohol and other drugs.
• Getting plenty of rest when possible and maintain a normal sleep/wake cycle.
• Eating well-balanced meals.