Big Bear Fire Department News

The Big Bear Fire Department has a new way to report illegal fireworks. The new Illegal Firework Reporting System offers an easy and anonymous way to report the use and sale of personal fireworks. Anyone can now go on to the Department’s website or simply scan a QR Code and anonymously report the use or sales of illegal fireworks by completing a simple online reporting form. Fire Department Investigators will respond promptly to the reported location where fireworks are currently in use,...

A residential structure fire was reported in the 42000 Block of Sonoma Drive, Big Bear Lake, at approximately 1:41 pm, on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Upon arrival, fire crews observed smoke and flames to the exterior of the wood-framed living space above the garage. Crews quickly extinguished the fire within approximately 10 minutes. Fire crews remained on the scene for an hour to ensure completed extinguishment. The occupants of the home self-evacuated prior to the fire crew's arrival. Structu...

Fire Chief Jeff Willis is pleased to announce that Big Bear Fire Department has acquired a new ambulance. The Department received delivery of MA-281, a 2022 Dodge 3500 4x4, on October 20, 2022. Powered by a Cummins Diesel engine and manufactured by Braun Northwest, the new ambulance has the same configuration as others in the Department’s fleet, which allows for standardization and a smooth transition in on-scene operations. The new ambulance is currently being stocked with medical suppli...

At 9:25 a.m. on August 4, 2022, Big Bear Fire Department was dispatched to a call of a fall victim on the Castle Rock Trail in Big Bear Lake. With limited access in rugged terrain, personnel from Big Bear Lake Station 281 utilized its heavy duty off-road Polaris Ranger 6x6 to access the start of a 1.5 mile hike to reach the location of the victim. Local area hospital The patient was treated at the scene for moderate injuries, transferred to a backboard for stabilization, and loaded on a one...

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced the Big Bear, California Fire Department (Big Bear Fire Department ) has placed an order for three custom Pierce fire apparatus, including two Pierce Arrow XT 4x4 pumpers and an Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower with mid-mount configuration. The new fire apparatus purchase is part of a fleet upgrade and replacement initiative for the Big Bear Fire Department and was coordinated through authorized Pierce dealer, Sout...

Shortly after 6:30 a.m. on June 29, 2022, Big Bear Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of Jeffries Road in Big Bear Lake. Upon arrival, fire crews discovered a shed at the residence was well involved in the fire, with flames spreading to nearby Pine trees. Fire personnel quickly contained the fire, which was extinguished within approximately six minutes. Crews remained on scene for mop up efforts to ensure no reignition would occur. Reported structure fire...

The Big Bear Fire Authority Board approved a balanced budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year at their June 2, 2020 Board meeting. The approved budget entails significant changes compared to last year’s budget. Since the Community Facilities District (CFD) tax measure was unsuccessful on the March 2020 ballot, some very difficult but necessary budget decisions have been made. Author's quote Fire Chief Jeff Willis stated, “Honestly, I am disappointed that this critical tax measure tha...

Forest Service Fire crews will continue to take advantage of favorable spring weather conditions for more prescribed burning in the Bluff Mesa area southwest of Big Bear Lake, potentially beginning on Thursday, May 21 and continuing through Friday, May 22, 2022.  The work helps create safe spaces for firefighters to be placed between communities and natural areas should a wildfire occur. This week will be a continuation of a broadcast burn for up to 150 acres located east of Forest Service...

A residential structure fire was reported in the 500 Block of Riverside Avenue, Sugarloaf, at approximately 4:05 am, on Friday, March 25, 2022. Upon arrival, fire crews observed smoke showing from the second-story bedroom window. Crews In offensive Attack Mode Crews quickly went into offensive attack mode and were able to extinguish the fire within approximately 10 minutes. Fire crews remained on the scene for an hour to ensure completed extinguishment. There was one occupant at home who self-...

A residential structure fire was reported in the early morning hours on Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, at approximately 3:17 a.m., on Monday, February 7, 2022. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a well-involved residential structure with smoke and flames showing. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire within approximately 20 minutes. There were no occupants home at the time of the structure. Assistance The structure fire required all units from the Big Bear Fire Department to respond wi...

A residential structure fire was reported on E Barrett Way, Big Bear City, at approximately 9:03 a.m., on Thursday, January 20, 2022. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a multi-unit residence with smoke and flames showing from the exterior.  Successful extinguish  Crews immediately went into offensive fire attack mode and successfully extinguished the fire within minutes. The occupants of the residence self-evacuated prior to the fire department's arrival. The structure fire require...

The Big Bear Professional Firefighters are hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Station 281, located at 41090 Big Bear Boulevard., Big Bear Lake, in the front parking lot. Blood donation The need for blood is constant and ongoing. Each donation of blood can save the lives of three people. Along with this blood drive, the Big Bear Fire Department (BBFD) Helicopter, H285, is in the final stages of preparing to carry blood and plasma products on the air...

Fireworks can be beautiful, but they can be unpredictable and deadly. Numerous fires every year result from the use of personal fireworks. The possession, use or sale of any type of personal fireworks, including 'safe and sane' fireworks, is against the law in any part of the Big Bear Valley. “The use of illegal fireworks places the entire community, as well as our first responders at risk,” stated Big Bear Fire Marshal, Mike Maltby. Enforcing state and local fireworks laws With t...

A residential structure fire was reported on Wabash Lane in Sugarloaf at approximately 9:10 p.m., on Thursday, June 24, 2021. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a two-story gambrel build single-family home well involved. Due to the fire intensity, fire crews were unable to enter the home, which required a defensive fire attack. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire within 30 minutes. Well involved structure Despite quick efforts from fire personnel and close proximity of the structu...

Big Bear Fire Department received a report of an aircraft down in a residential area at the corner of Meadow Lane and Nana Avenue in Big Bear City. Upon arrival at the scene, a single-engine plane was found to have crashed into a vacant lot. Fire crews observed a fire to the aircraft, nearby fence, and outbuilding that sustained minor damage. The pilot and passenger were pulled to safety by nearby bystanders. Bear Valley Electric crews Help restore power The victims sustained moderate to seri...

The Big Bear Fire Department has a new way to report illegal fireworks. The new Illegal Firework Reporting System offers an easy and anonymous way to report the use and sale of personal fireworks. Anyone can now go on to the Department’s website or simply scan a QR Code and anonymously report the use or sales of illegal fireworks by completing a simple online reporting form. Fire Department Investigators will respond promptly to the reported location where fireworks are currently in use,...

Big Bear Valley has experienced inclement weather. During these times, cellular service could be interrupted. The Big Bear Fire Department would like to remind everyone that they can text to 9-1-1, when placing a phone call to the department does not work. Use 911 as the phone number, type the message, and hit send. The message will be sent to the closest dispatch center, where it will appear on the dispatcher’s screen. That dispatcher can then have a text conversation with the person to...

A residential structure fire was reported on Yosemite Drive in Moonridge at approximately 2:35 am, on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a two-story, single-family home well involved on the side of the house near the chimney stack. Through a swift fire attack, fire personnel were able to quickly extinguish the fire. Two occupants were able to self-evacuate with no injuries. Due to close proximity of the structure fire, the shed was a complete loss. The structure fire...

A residential structure fire was reported on E Barker Blvd in Big Bear City at approximately 2:35 pm, on Friday, March 5, 2021. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a residential structure with smoke visible from the front as well as smoke and flames from the rear of the structure. The resident of the house was able to self-evacuate with no injuries.   Units continued fire suppression activity with complete knock-down obtained within approximately 10 minutes. The fire was contained to the ki...

A residential structure fire was reported on Maple Lane between Eucalyptus Lane and Manzanita Lane in Sugarloaf at approximately 6:43 pm, on Monday, November 9, 2020. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a residential structure with heavy smoke and flames showing. Crews immediately went into defensive attack mode to the fully involved structure to provide protection to the adjacent structures. No occupants were in the home at the time of the incident. Big Bear Fire Crew carry out fire suppression...

Big Bear Fire Department has some 'Hot Tips for Cold Weather' to ensure safe winter heating. With the change in seasons in Big Bear Valley comes the need to warm homes and businesses. Stay warm and safe during the winter months by following some simple tips. Conventional Heating Have a professional check and service the heating system each year. Always keep combustibles away from heat sources. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for clearance distances. Portable Heaters Always use...

Cool fall weather has arrived, winter is fast approaching, and Big Bear Fire Department encourages everyone to practice safe winter heating. Big Bear Valley residents and tourists alike will soon be lighting pilot lights and finding other ways to keep warm during the chill of the season. When not functioning properly, the heating appliances that are keeping users warm can turn deadly quickly. Carbon monoxide “Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can kill its victims while they&...

A structure fire was reported at the Golden Bear Lodge on Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake at approximately 2:02 a.m., on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a two-story structure to be fully involved.  Amidst firefighting efforts to the first structure, crews noticed the structure next door showing heat damage and small flames. Fire suppression activity All occupants of the cabins were evacuated prior to arrival. Big Bear Fire Department units commenced fire...

Fireworks can be beautiful, but they can be unpredictable and deadly. Numerous fires have resulted from the use of personal fireworks, not to mention causing severe injuries to the users. Personal fireworks are illegal throughout Big Bear Valley, including 'safe and sane' fireworks. In addition, all fireworks that explode, shoot into the air, or move along the ground are termed dangerous and are illegal anywhere in California, USA. fines up to $1,000 Big Bear Fire Department’s Assistant...

Big Bear Fire Department announces that it will suspend its popular chipping program for the 2020 season. This grant-funded program has been highly successful in helping residents create defensible space around their structures.  denied grant letters The Fire Department actively researches and applies for hazardous fuel reduction grants to keep the chipping program and the hazardous tree removal program going. The Department recently received denial letters for the three grants appl...

Big Bear Fire Department personnel are wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during 911 medical calls for service, as a part of their updated safety procedures, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Out of an abundance of safety, Big Bear Fire Department staff members are wearing PPE that includes, masks, eye protection, gowns, and gloves, during many patient contacts. They feel it was important to let the public know, that although their appearance might not be typically what they...

Big Bear Fire Department has implemented a new emergency text alert notification system that may be used to deliver time-sensitive emergency alerts to residents when there is a threat to their health and safety. This system is called “BBFD ALERTS” and these notifications will provide important information during incidents such as wildland fires, hazardous materials incidents, health emergencies, and more. These messages will include information regarding evacuations, Shelter-in-Plac...

Big Bear Elks Lodge held its annual Firefighters’ Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Big Bear Fire Department and retirees were invited to join this celebration where the Elks Lodge recognized the Department’s Firefighter of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Elks Lodge representative Mike Anderson recognized both firefighters with plaques commemorating their achievements. Jon Bidwell and John Stein Engineer/Paramedic Jon Bidwell earned the Firefighter of the Year h...

Make a difference. Help Big Bear Fire Department provide quick action fighting fires. Partner with them in their Adopt-A-Hydrant program. In the event of a fire, it is imperative that the fire department gain access to a fire hydrant water supply as quickly as possible, so as to prevent the loss of life and property. Residents and business owners can adopt a hydrant to make sure that the hydrant is easily accessible throughout the year. Fire crews Once adopted, the area around the hydrant sho...

The Big Bear Valley has enjoyed a grant-funded Curbside Vegetation Chipping Program since 2005. Several thousand tons of vegetation have been collected and chipped each year since the program’s inception. The program has ended for the season due to weather conditions, but there is hope to have new grant funds available to resume in the spring. Fire Chief, Jeff Willis states, “The community has done an outstanding job in creating defensible space by utilizing the chipping program. It...