Cause of Deerfield Lodge fire still unknown

By Kathryn Reed

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire that has shuttered the Deerfield Lodge indefinitely and displaced three dozen visitors.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston told Lake Tahoe News, “We know it started at the end of the hotel itself.”

He said nothing has been found yet to conclusively say the July 23 blaze was accidental or arson. Meston added that investigators are waiting on results to help determine the cause.

Investigators have not determined the cause of the July 23 fire at Deerfield Lodge. Photo/Susan Wood

There was a transformer in the area that failed, but that was the result of power lines falling on it. Meston said the transformer was not the cause of the fire.

A person answering the phone at the Ski Run Boulevard boutique hotel said there is no date when it might reopen. People who live out of state own the Deerfield.

The back section is a total loss. The estimated damage is more than $2 million.

The hotel guests spent the first night at Lakeside Inn. Since then some have gone home, while others are scattered about the South Shore. Some lost everything and only got out with a sheet wrapped around them. And some will need to replace airline tickets and passports to get home.

Local businesses that have helped include: Belfor Property Restoration, Freshies Restaurant, Hard Rock Café, KRLT, Lakeland Village, Lakeshore Lodge and Spa, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Stardust Lodge Lake Tahoe, and Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce. Anyone who can assist with clothing, lodging or other amenities should call 530.542.6016.