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Update 1:45 p.m. With golf tournament approaching American Century Championship, Raley’s contribute to fire relief fund

Steve Yingling

As the longest-running celebrity only golf tournament in the world, the American Century Championship has developed a tight bond with the South Shore community.

In wake of last week’s devastating Angora fire, the ACC is taking the opportunity to reciprocate for an 18-year welcome mat. Tournament officials announced on Monday morning a $25,000 contribution to the wildfire relief fund.

In addition, Raley’s announced that it will match customer donations up to $100,000. The 130-grocery store chain in Northern California and Northern Nevada has set up donation boxes at each of its checkstands and will keep them in place through end of July. To date, Raley’s customers have contributed $50,000 for fire victims.



“It’s been a tragic time. Fortunately, life must go on,” said Nancy McGagin, executive director for Raley’s year-round food for families program. “People have lost their homes, let’s not allow them to lose their jobs. It’s fabulous the golf tournament is going on as planned.”

The Angora fire destroyed 254 structures, burned more than 3,000 acres and caused more than $150 million in property damaged since igniting on June 24. As of Sunday night, the fire was 95 percent contained.



NBC considered canceling the July 13-15 tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course but was encouraged by community business leaders to continue plans for the 54-hole tournament that attracts a cache of stars that includes Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Ladainian Tomlinson, Ray Romano and Don Cheadle.

“The last thing we wanted to do was hold it in the face of a growing tragedy,” said Jon Miller, executive vice president of NBC Sports. “We want to be there in more than our usual capacity. For all three days of telecast we will be broadcasting an 800 number, doing PSAs and interviews. We feel terrible what happened but we want to be part of the solution to help this area rebuild from this tragedy.”

Defending champion Jack Wagner, who has played in all 17 previous championships, sees this year’s event as a means to repaying a long-term debt.

“Everybody playing in the tournament is very grateful to playing golf, playing on TV and be up there in Lake Tahoe. It’s an opportunity to give back a community that has given so much to this tournament,” he said.

* * *

9:50 a.m. The incident command center reports the Angora fire has reached 100 percent containment this morning. It was 95 percent contained last night. Here is the latest briefing from 9:45 a.m.

Fire Activity:

Fire activity is predicted to be light today. Winds will range from 5 to10 mph with temperatures in the mid-70s. Smoke will continue to be visible within the fire area. However, these interior smokes are deep within the fire and are not a threat to the fireline.

Today’s Actions:

Crews are using infrared technology to monitor and secure firelines. Line improvement and mop up activities continue 400 feet into the interior of the line. Today, the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team will begin their assessment of the burned area focusing on emergency stabilization of the watershed. At 6:00 tonight the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will resume responsibility for management of the fire.

Evacuations, Closures and Restrictions:

A Forest closure order for the burned area is in effect July 2 through November 30, 2007. All trails and roads leading into the burned area on forest system lands are closed to the public.

Due to very dry fuels, fire restrictions have gone into effect throughout the state of California. A National Fire Prevention Team arrived today to assist local agencies with their prevention needs.

Within the Tahoe Basin area, campfires are only allowed within hosted fee campgrounds. No open fires or charcoal barbeques will be allowed on public lands. Only propane stoves are allowed with a 2007 fire permit. No fireworks are allowed in any area.

Current fire information can be obtained by calling the Lake Tahoe Basin Forest Supervisors office: (530)543-2600 between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.

Stats

Start Date: 06/24/07 2:00 p.m.

Cause: Illegal Warming Fire

Current Size: 3,100 acres

Current Information:

Location: South of Lake Tahoe and East of Fallen Leaf Lake

Fire Containment: 100 percent

Expected Containment: Tuesday

Cost to date: $11.3 million

Resources Available: 6 Hand Crews, 11 Engines, 1 Helicopter, 1 Water Tender, 1 dozer, 2 Camp Crews, 75 Overhead

Total Personnel: 310 Persons

* * *

Update 9:10 a.m. The incident command center reports the Angora fire has reached 100 percent containment this morning. It was 95 percent contained last night.

Right now there are nine handcrews, 23 engines, one helicopter, one water tender, one dozer, two camp crews and 140 overhead personnel. The total firefighting personnel on the job stands at 459. The fire started on June 24, burned 3,100 acres and 254 homes.

On Sunday the Lake Tahoe Management Basin Unit implemented an area wide closure within the Angora Fire area in order to protect natural and cultural resources.

The order specifically prohibits:

1.Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Angora Fire Closure area, which is located in Sections 13, 23, 24, 25, and 26, Township 12 N, Range 17 E, MDBM, and Sections 6, 7, 8, 18, and 19, Township 12`N, Range`18 E, MDBM, as shown on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.52(e).

2.Being on any National Forest System trail within the Angora Fire Closure area.

Maps of the closure area and the order can be viewed at the Supervisor’s Office. For further information contact the Supervisor’s Office at (530) 543-2600.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross is accepting donations online at http://www.sacsierraredcross.org. Click to link called Angora Fire. The Red Cross is no longer accepting donations at the evacaution center. The evacuation center is shutting down its operations today.

The Red Cross does have a service center located at Lake Tahoe Community College in the cafeteria. The hours of this operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.


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