The State : Fire Takes Toll on Tourism

Vacationers have canceled hotel reservations in scenic Nevada City and Grass Valley because they mistakenly fear that the destructive 49er fire damaged the towns, a local business group reported. “We have received numerous calls and people have canceled reservations at the local hotels and motels,” said Cathy Whittlesey, executive manager of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. “We want to assure everyone that Nevada City and Grass Valley are still here,” she said. “There is really no evidence of the fires in either of the towns.” The 33,500-acre wildfire, dubbed the 49er fire because of its proximity to California 49, earlier this month destroyed hundreds of structures on the steep hillsides east of the two Gold Rush cities, which are located about four miles apart on the highway.