Fires Deliberately Set Near Lake Tahoe Wildlife Facility, All Animals Safe

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) has confirmed that a series of small fires set Monday near its facility were deliberately started in an apparent attempt to encircle the center.

LTWC said each fire was set between 100 and 250 yards from its wildlife enclosures. Thanks to the quick response from staff and volunteers, all animals were safely secured, and no injuries were reported.

The nonprofit is now working closely with investigators and urges anyone with information to contact the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

The original incident occurred Monday afternoon near Al Tahoe and Pioneer Trail. Fire crews responded to four small wildfires, each less than an acre. Multiple agencies — including CAL FIRE, Lake Valley Fire, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, and others — quickly stopped the forward progress and built hand lines around the fires.

While no structures were damaged, the situation raised concerns about public safety and potential threats to wildlife. The cause remains under investigation.