As firefighters battle the Caldor fire, a spot fire is lit on the ridge just behind the Strawberry Lodge. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
Michael Hicks knew that fire was possible when he took over Strawberry Lodge almost 20 years ago.
Hicks stated that the historic lodge, which is located in Strawberry on Highway 50, has been burned three times since 1858.
However, Strawberry was within striking distance of the Caldor fire near South Lake Tahoe. Officials from fire departments said that the northeastern front of more than 149.600-acre flames was within a mile and half of Strawberry. Crews were fast working to put containment lines to try to stop it.
Michael Hicks was the owner of Strawberry Lodge. He had to flee to South Lake Tahoe because of the Caldor fire. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
Hicks, who evacuated to South Lake Tahoe a week ago, expressed hope that they will be able save the main building. It will depend on firefighters and winds and we'll see what happens.
Strawberry Lodge is located just above the Sierra Nevada snowline and approximately 30 miles from Tahoe. It has been a refuge on the trek up the mountains since its inception as a Pony Express stop in late 1880s catering to silver miners looking for their fortunes.
Although the years have worn the carpet, the taxidermy bear that greets guests fiercely seems to be a little tired. It is still loved by locals and visitors who come more for the dim, long bar than the accommodations.
That bar was never empty. Parents from Camp Sacramento, a city camp, would sneak in for cocktails while their children were being watched by counselors. Summer rock climbers, mountain bikers, winter sledders, and summer rock climbers would finish their journeys with a burger, beer, and the residents of the tract that lined the creek and American River met for cold nights at the stone fireplace. Here, kids could play pool and board games.
To protect Strawberry Lodge's historic Strawberry Lodge from the Caldor Fire, firefighters are on the scene. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
As the flames draw closer, Hicks' future and the history of the lodge are in jeopardy. He was just shy of 70 and had decided to sell the family-owned business. He is currently in escrow with his new owners but it's not clear what the future holds.
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Hicks stated that timing is never good, but that this was most likely the worst.
On Saturday, Strawberry was almost in a famine mode. The thick yellow smoke from the fire sent even bugs running. Ash fell on the lodges and caused them to tremble.
Jay Smith, an information officer at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said that he was optimistic Strawberry would be safe. Protecting the cabins in the forested hills is top priority for firefighters.
Firefighter performing a controlled fire on Highway. 50 in Strawberry, CA. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
Smith stated, "I am pretty certain that we will be able to slow down, if not prevent that from happening."
But flames quickly appeared behind him at the top of a mountain ridge and began to climb down the mountain. A spot fire was lit on the hillside adjacent to the lodge an hour later, and the fire started to roar through the trees.
Hicks stated that the lodge's new owners, who intend to preserve much of its historical charm, have informed him they are still interested in purchasing it. However, he wasn't sure if they would feel the exact same way if the worst happens. The representative of the buyer, an international real-estate firm, did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
Hicks stated that managing the lodge was both rewarding and difficult because of California's climate-driven fires. His fire insurance cost more than quadrupled in the past two years, from $22,000 to $992,000.
Michael Hicks has moved to South Lake Tahoe as the owner of Strawberry Lodge. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
The evacuation has caused the departure of eight of his employees. Before he evacuated himself, he was able to grab a few items but left behind a lot of memorabilia that dates back to hundreds of years.
Many are rooting for Strawberry and the lodge. David Squirrel Schlosser who runs the general store across from the town, which is the only business in the 50-person community, described it as a tight-knit community that people are eager and willing to help.
He was a Strawberry resident for 16 years and said that he knew wildfire was coming. His wife and he did everything they could to clear the area around the store as well as their house a block away before moving to North Lake Tahoe to evacuate to a friend.
Schlosser stated that we did our best,
He and all Strawberrys residents, and loyal visitors, will now have to wait.
A post about the strawberry lodge fire attracted more than 90 concerns from friends and family, as well as many people who shared photos of their wedding.
One person wrote, "Praying for Strawberry Lodge to be saved that is part our family history and the community,"
On Saturday, a fire can be seen at the ridge just behind the Strawberry Lodge. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
Another wrote, "Strawberry holds a very special spot in my heart; so much wonderful memories in my youth,"
On Saturday, these memories were in jeopardy as firefighters battled to put out the flames. The spot fire at the ridge was growing larger by dusk and was slowly moving towards the property.
Although firefighters were quick to respond, Mother Nature sometimes has other plans.
Hicks stated that they hope to save as many people as possible. However, that is entirely up to the firefighters and the winds.
This story first appeared in Los Angeles Times.
