The Caldor Fire may have a permanent impact on the crystal clear waters of California's Lake Tahoe.
The massive fire raging only a few miles away has had a visible effect on the lake, turning the water from a turquoise blue to a cloudy gray.
The organization behind the famous slogan "Keep Tahoe Blue" believes it's possible the changes could last.
"We don't know yet until we do the research, but it's definitely a major impact," said Jesse Patterson, chief strategic officer of The League to Save Lake Tahoe. "All this ash not only affects the water quality, but it affects the ecology of the nutrient cycle, how algae blooms occur."
Patterson explained that since Tahoe is not a national park, it is up to the community to maintain this magnificent area.
"We have a special relationship with Tahoe," he said. "We can live here and boat here and ski here and 15 million people a year can come here, but that means each one of us has a larger role to play to not cause fires like this and not create other impacts."
The League reminds residents and lovers of the lake to please be kind, compassionate and caring to one another as Tahoe works through this. "Together, we will heal. Together, we will Keep Tahoe Blue," they said.
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