What used to be Emily and Jesse Myers’ home in a nice
residential area in South Lake Tahoe is gone, only the foundation
and the driveway giving any indication of its existence.
Morgan Hill – What used to be Emily and Jesse Myers’ home in a nice residential area in South Lake Tahoe is gone, only the foundation and the driveway giving any indication of its existence.
There are bits and pieces scattered around the property, the springs from the Laz–Boy, a metal sprinkler, with a bit of charred hose attached, other bits and pieces of metal.
The brother and sister, and Emily’s two sons, had just moved to the area a month ago and had not yet signed up for renter’s insurance. Their dad Dave, a Morgan Hill police officer, has set up an account for those wishing to donate to help them out.
The “Angora Wildland fire” swept through their neighborhood on June 24, with flames towering above the trees and buildings as they rushed through.
“By the time I got out, the fire was at the end of the street,” Jesse said. “(Firefighters) basically grabbed me by the back, by the shoulders, and told me to get the heck out of there,” he said.
Emily and her sons weren’t home at the time, so when Jesse got the word to evacuate, he tried to gather as much of their belongings as possible and pack them in the trunk, but firefighters told him he didn’t have time to worry about that, he just needed to leave.
“He was able to grab my pictures, basically a lifetime of pictures that I kept in a box in the closet, and a plastic tub with records, my birth certificate and the boys’ but not his own, unfortunately,” she said.
Jesse said he is thankful no one was injured or killed, but said that dealing with a total loss of their belongings is difficult. Myers said his daughter told him she’s not sure whether she’s coming or going, that her emotions are up and down.
No one was killed in the blaze. Jesse said he and Emily know people who weren’t home, weren’t able to get to their pets before the blaze, and lost them.
“We know it could have been worse, but it’s still pretty hard to accept,” he said.
Emily, who has been staying with friends since the blaze, said she has found another place to move into, but that her sons, who will soon be 10 and 14, are with their grandmother until she can get things settled.
“They’re a little nervous about where they’re going to be living, a little uncertain,” she said. “I think it’ll be easier for them if they can move into a room that’s already set up for them.”
The outpouring of support and offers for help in the community has been “overwhelming,” Emily said. “There are so many people who care. There just aren’t words to express my gratitude for all the people who are helping out in the community.”
According to the incident report for the fire, crews were able to fully contain the blaze on July 2. Estimated cost to date is $12.1 million, with 329 homes and businesses destroyed.
More than 3,100 acres were consumed by flames after the fire began on June 24 at approximately 2:10pm. The cause is believed to be an illegal campfire.
As a result of the fire, certain restrictions have been put in place. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is restricting entry onto National Forest System lands within the fire perimeter. The area will remain closed through Nov. 30.
Within the Tahoe Basin area, campfires are only allowed at hosted fee campgrounds, and no open fires or charcoal barbecues are allowed on public land, only propane stoves, with a 2007 fire permit. Fireworks are banned from the area.
HOW TO HELP-
TO DONATE TO A FUND ESTABLISHED FOR EMILY MYERS AND HER FAMILY
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Checks should be made out to the Morgan Hill Police Officers Association, P.O. Box 1583, Morgan Hill, CAÂ 95037, or to US Bank for MHPD Assoc./Emily Myers, account #153458706196.
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Donations of clothing and personal items are also welcome. Call MHPD at 779-2101 for drop off information.
