As the Caldor Fire races toward South Lake Tahoe, residents and businesses say they are fearful, but united.
22,000 residents took to Highway 50 this week to evacuate as the fire threatened homes just three miles from the city. On the way out, residents were encouraged by a giant illuminated sign reading, "stay strong Lake Tahoe" displayed in front of the Montbleu Casino.
For many locals, this sign is more than a message; it represents the strength of this iconic community.
"We have prepared, we are ready," said Nicole Jermosy who has lived in Tahoe her whole life. "We all take care of our neighbors, you know. If you need some sugar go borrow it type-of-deal, we’re always there for each other."
South Lake Tahoe has faced disaster once before during the 2007 Angora Fire which destroyed over 200 homes and resulted in $100 million in damages.
"We’ve been through other tragedies like this and we always come together," resident Kim Baylow told KCBS Radio. "When it comes down to the wire, we’ve got each other’s backs."
Some ski resorts have recently activated their snow cannons in an attempt to battle the oncoming blaze.
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