The State - News from July 14, 1987

Fire swept through the a Lake Tahoe Humane Society building, killing 17 dogs locked in their cages. Firefighters were able to rescue 11 animals. Investigators were still trying to determine what started the blaze in the 4,000-square-foot building in South Lake Tahoe. Brian Shafer, a Lake Valley Fire Department battalion chief, said flames scorched the roof, attic and part of an office and sent smoke throughout the building. He said most of the dogs died from smoke inhalation, not burns. Shafer tentatively estimated damage at $30,000. He also said that most of the dead animals were strays scheduled to be put to sleep, although he said a few might have been boarded. Rescue efforts were difficult because the building is filled with kennels built like small jails, said Shafer, adding that firefighters managed to enter many kennels but “took a lot of beating” from intense heat and smoke.