Demonstrating the resiliency, neighborly concern and determination reflective of a small, tight-knit mountain community, South Lake Tahoe has been moving forward to help locals who have suffered losses in the Angora Fire, which fire officials expect to be fully contained by Tuesday, July 3.

The fire is currently 70% contained, with flames extinguished. With the week's lighter winds, crews continued to make excellent progress on building and strengthening fire lines, maintaining structure protection and working into the fire perimeter to cool hot spots.

Residents of Lake Tahoe, one of the country's most popular destination resorts, were further bolstered by a progressive day on the fire front Wednesday and optimistic comments at an area press conference from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who said, "Right now it is safe to come to Lake Tahoe and I hope people and families will enjoy their weekend here because it is one of the most beautiful areas in the entire world."


Fourth of July is on schedule

The Fourth of July, one of the area's traditionally most popular periods next week, raises hopes that visitors will resume their love affair with one of the country's most spectacular natural wonders. Just two days following the outbreak of the Angora Fire, safety issues throughout the area have been restored; U.S. Highway 50, the main artery from Northern California, is open with no restrictions; the air is clearing; and all tourism attractions including entertainment, dining and all outdoor and lake-related recreational activities are open and accessible.

The traditional Independence Day celebration will include "Lights on the Lake," the annual July 4th fireworks extravaganza, which is rated one of the Top Five fireworks shows in the country. The fireworks are conducted from barges on the Lake assuring safety.

"Tourism officials were the first to question the appropriateness of holding an event in light of the Angora Fire," said Patrick Kaler, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. "The overwhelming feeling was it would serve to highlight the area's spirit and resiliency throughout the country, that Lake Tahoe recovery is underway."

The annual pyrotechnics spectacular attracts an estimated 100,000 spectators for an astounding show on the one of the world's most beautiful stages. The American Pyrotechnics Association determined the "must-see" ranking based on the quality, variety, choreography and volume of fireworks.

The rest of the summer line-up at South Shore includes celebrity golf with the 18th annual American Century Championship July 10-15 and the Harveys Outdoor concert series with Beyonce, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith.

For information about South Shore Lake Tahoe, call the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, 1-800-AT-TAHOE (1-800-288-2463) or log onto http://www.BlueLakeTahoe.com" TARGET="_blank">www.BlueLakeTahoe.com.

North Lake Tahoe

According to Tourism Director Andy Chapman, of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Lake Tahoe businesses are moving forward with scheduled celebrations and fireworks. He anticipates that this year's Fourth will be no different in terms of numbers of visitors. Many regional businesses are in agreement.

"It's business as usual," owner Alex Mourelatos, of Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort in Tahoe Vista, Calif. said. "We only have four rooms left for the July 3 through 5 period. We're looking forward to a fantastic Fourth of July week."

"Our reservations are on par with Fourth of July holidays from prior years," owner Graham Rock, of Chamber's Landing Bar and Grill on the West Shore, said.

For lodging reservations, recreation and event details in North Lake Tahoe, call 1-877-949-3296 or visit http://www.GoTahoeNorth.com" TARGET="_blank">www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

Get the latest news

To read the latest news and find out about road closures and more, visit ourhttp://www.tahoedailytribune.com/"> South Lake community paper, the Tahoe Daily Tribune. http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20070626/NEWS01/70626004">See a slideshow of the fire here.

Click http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&om=1&msa=0&msid=107964412997483989813.00000113640e64c601b5f&ll=38.890632,-120.037479&spn=0.194539,0.32135&z=12">this link to see a map of the fire's approximate path of destruction.

For current road conditions, click to the California Department of Transportation's website at http://www.dot.ca.gov.">www.dot.ca.gov.

To see how you can help those affected by the Angora fire, http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20070625/NEWS/70625004">read this story in the Nevada Appeal.