Due to the fast response this past Sunday by the East Fork Fire Protection District personnel, the Tahoe/Douglas Elks Lodge on Kimmerling Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos was saved from possible total destruction.
Battalion Chief Scott Fraser said the first engine to arrive, within minutes of the alarm sounding, found large amounts of water flowing from the building and they immediately turned off the main water supply to the building.
Looking through a window the firefighters saw over two feet of water and were able to open the doors, and they went in with 3-foot squeegees and started pushing the water out and picking up trash. The firefighters who responded were total heroes. Additional personnel were brought in to assist with removing the water.
BELFOR Water Damage Restoration and Repair is currently working in the building. Water is the single most long-term destructive substance in the indoor environment. BELFOR has successfully restored water-damaged structures and property for more than 70 years.
The Elks are working out a recovery plan. Temporarily our meetings will be at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center, thanks to Community Services Director Scott Morgan.
The response of “what can we do to help” from the community is overwhelming. We will keep the public posted with updates through our local newspapers.
With our sincere thanks and appreciation,
Exalted Ruler Mary Retterer
Tahoe/Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670