Tahoe Fire Near Containment

Firefighters southwest of Lake Tahoe say a wild fire touched off by a small plane crash near Echo Summit should be fully contained by tonight. Two people were killed in the crash yesterday in the rugged Elbert Lake area, about three miles south of Echo Summit. El Dorado County Sheriff´s Lieutenant Kevin House says it may take another day or two to identify the victims. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the South Lake Tahoe airport, but it was unclear where it was headed. The FAA says the identification numbers are not readable on the charred remains of the plane and there have been no reports of overdue or missing planes. House says pilots of aircraft sent to help douse the fire first spotted the plane wreckage in the middle of the fire area. The “Showers” fire has burned about 325 acres in the area southwest of Lake Tahoe. It´s estimated to be 80% contained, with full containment expected late tonight. Highway 89 remains closed from US Highway 50 to Pickett´s Junction due to heavy smoke. Four helicopters and six air tankers are battling the blaze. It is not threatening any structures.