Bear nearly sets fire in South Lake Tahoe home, wildlife officials say

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. —

A bear nearly sparked a fire in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday after it broke into an unoccupied home and turned on the gas stove, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

A CDFW employee had initially responded to another residence on Butler Avenue to collect evidence from a different bear break-in. However, wildlife officials said the employee noticed another home with a pushed-in window and trash littered about.

CDFW says its staff member knocked on that door, but noticed the smell of gas so quickly called 911.

The department said emergency responders arrived and were able to turn off the gas stove. Nothing was set on fire, however, there were melted items on the stovetop.

An adult female bear and its cub then fled up a nearby tree, CDFW