Prior to European settlement of the Lake Tahoe area in the mid-1800s, a "natural cycle of low-intensity fires"—ignited both by lightning and by the indigenous Washoe people—prevailed.

Vigorous wildfire suppression policies adopted by the U.S. federal government in the early 20th century, aimed at preserving timber and property, ended that fire pattern.

[6] In addition to strong winds, the fire was also fueled by unusually dry conditions in the Sierra Nevada (U.S.).

[7] The Angora Fire ignited at about 2:00 p.m. PDT, 300–400 yards (270–370 m) south of Seneca Pond, a popular recreation area.

[citation needed] On June 26 at about 3:00 p.m., the fire breached containment lines on its northern perimeter south of Highway 89.

However, campfires were prohibited in the Seneca Pond area year-round, making the original fire illegal in any case.

The mayor of South Lake Tahoe and at least one California State Assembly member argued for changes to the 911 system to route calls directly to county first responders.

The debris removal was operationally conducted by the California Integrated Waste Management Board on behalf of El Dorado County.

[citation needed] Sierra Pacific Industries removed the burned trees in the fire footprint for lumber via salvage logging.

[21] By 2017, 1,100 acres (450 ha) of the Angora Fire burn area had been replanted and 2,000 feet (610 m) of stream channels had been repaired.