Air attack begins at Angora fire

Appeal reporter Jarid Shipley says he can finally see the helicopters flying above the Angora fire.

Gov. Jim Gibbons today said the estimate of cost to fight the fire are at $30 million to $59 million.

Gibbons after surveying some of the damage said:

"This shows you how intense the fire was. Lake Tahoe is not just a California or a Nevada asset. It's an asset for everyone.

"We put these defensible spaces around the homes and it makes a difference. You can see where homes had the defensible space and they didn't suffer the same fate as those that didn't.

"When you see it burned like this you know Lake Tahoe won't be available to enjoy for 50 to 100 years. Our kids and our grandkids deserve to experience this national treasure."

"It's almost surreal," said Eldorado County Supervisor Norma Santiago who was touring with Gibbons . "In between the devastation you see houses untouched. You see so many incredible, incredible things. You can almost tell the uncontrolled nature of the fire."

Santiago also wanted to thank the Douglas county Sheriff's deputies who have helped with the fire.

She said the county is also seeking a presidential proclamation of a state of emergency.