Fire destroys 2 houses, kills 2 dogs on South Shore
By Kathryn Reed
Two dogs are dead and the residents of two South Shore houses have been displaced after a fire raced through both structures Monday night.
Hot ashes left in a trash can on wood deck smoldered before erupting into flames, engulfing the first house and spreading to the one next door.
Firefighters from Lake Valley on Dec. 27 help residents of a burned out house search for possessions. Photo/Provided
“This is the third structure fire we’ve responded to because of (hot ashes) in the last couple weeks,” Leona Allen, spokeswoman with Lake Valley fire, told Lake Tahoe News.
Lake Valley and South Lake Tahoe firefighters responded Dec. 26 at 8:30pm to the 900 block of Onontioga Street, which is off Pioneer Trail.
A dollar amount has not been put on the loss. No people were injured. The dogs who were killed resided in the house where the fire started.
The fire spread a bit into the adjacent forest as well.
“The safety message is it has to be an approved container with a lid and put on a non- combustible surface,” Allen said of where to place hot ash from fireplaces or wood stoves.
“This is the third structure fire we’ve responded to because of (hot ashes) in the last couple weeks,” Leona Allen, spokeswoman with Lake Valley fire, told Lake Tahoe News.
That sure seems like a lot of hot ash fires to respond to in such a short time period. I can’t help but wonder if any of these were vacation home rentals occupied by people unfamiliar with the proper disposal of hot ash from fireplaces or wood stoves.
The real tragedy here is the two dogs which were killed and needlessly suffered.
How sad for the family that lost the dogs…the stupidity that caused the fire was next door.
Where were the people that lost the dogs, working? Was a truck involved in the fire also?
So the fire started in one house and jumped to the other?
Enough of a tragedy already but this goes beyond ordinary negligence and the police and DA need to follow up.
Many who are vacation renters (or friends) don’t know the danger of fireplace & BBQ embers, and many owners don’t own metal Ash Cans. There could be a “Fireplace/BBQ Awareness Program” 2x per year (1 pre-winter, and 1 pre-summer) to advise how to dispose of fireplace & BBQ embers safely in metal Ash Cans. Maybe a grant could pay for a small metal notice (2×3″) to hang on the hearth, etc. that says “Put all embers in metal can & close lid”. And maybe the DIY, Scotty’s & Meeks could have an annual sale on Ash Cans.
uhhhh seriously folks! Really no need to drop so much negativity on the people who have been struck with utter tragedy. They happen to be very dear to me and this community. I pray you never are subjected to this sort of loss, whether you were negligent or not. These kids have no home and were planning to be married this summer. Shame on your nasty comments.
Thank you icky heart !
I found some of the responses to this heart breaking story as troubling as the horrific loss every one concerned has to live with.
Where is the compassion and helping hands we locals pride ourselves on with ?
So quick to assume and pass judgement…
Yes , shame on the nasty comments!
This was posted on Lake Tahoe News’ Facebook page by Lori Rose Borek: Jake and Taryn lost their home and their two beautiful dogs 12/26/11 in a tragic house fire. A wonderful young couple just starting their lives as an engaged couple. Please keep them in your prayers! A bank account has been set up at USBank in the names of Jake Fonken and Taryn Callahan Donation account. Deposits can be made at any USBank. Any and all help and donations are appreciated.
There is also a fundraiser being held for this couple. It is on Friday, Jan. 6, 6:00-9:00 pm, at the Flight Deck. Dinner, drinks, and a silent auction.