Tahoe community gives heroes' send-off to firefighters in Caldor Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -- Hundreds of residents gathered in South Lake Tahoe to say thank you and goodbye to all the firefighters who helped save the city.

It comes after the Caldor Fire forced evacuations and burned dangerously close to the town.

On Wednesday, people took photos with the firefighters who are leaving town to return home.

CAL FIRE says the firefighters were very surprised and thankful.

The Caldor Fire has burned 219,267 acres and is now 71% contained.

TAKE ACTION: How to help Tahoe communities

For a better experience, click here to view the full map in a new window

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• How bad will CA's fire season be? Here's what we know, what we don't


• How to prepare for a wildfire evacuation


• How to prepare your pets in case of disaster


• How to make a pet carrier in case of emergency


• Most destructive California wildfires in history


• The deadliest wildfires in California history


• Live: Track Bay Area air quality levels



• How are wildfires started? A look at the causes of some of the worst in California history
• The difference between containing and controlling a wildfire


• What's in wildfire smoke? How it can impact your health


• What are the diablo winds and how can they influence Northern California wildfires?


• What you need to know about Santa Ana winds and California wildfires


• Safety tips to remember when returning home after wildfire


• How to pick a mask for protection during a wildfire


• Red flag warning: What to do during dangerous fire conditions


• Everything to know about red flame retardant dropped during wildfires


• What happens to animals during wildfires?


• How to drive safely during a power outage


• How wildfires create a serious threat for flooding and mudflows


• These aircraft are on the front lines of the fight against California wildfires