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Local Fire Agencies Partner to Offer Free, Curbside Chipping Program; Valley’s New Chipper Hotline is 877-771-CHIP

The free neighborhood chipping program returns to the Big Bear Valley in June and what’s new and exciting about this year’s effort is that all three local fire agencies—Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino County Fire Departments—have pooled their grant resources and will implement the program collectively. In years past, certain neighborhoods have been designated for chipping services on specific weeks but, as of June 2010, all Big Bear Valley residents, renters and second homeowners will be able to call for on-demand chipping services. Once treed properties have been thinned out, limbed up and cleared of overgrown vegetation, you can call the Big Bear Valley free chipping hotline, toll-free, at 877-771-CHIP (or 2447), to have your material chipped in to mulch and carried away. More

Courtesy of KBHR

On-Demand Chipping Program for Big Bear Valley Is Chipping Away at Requests; Call 877-771-CHIP for Pick-up

The Valley-wide chipping program, still offered free of charge but now offered on-demand, has been underway since the beginning of the month—and, already, the toll-free chipping hotline at 877-771-CHIP has received over 650 requests for service. Of these, over 570 requests have been processed (as of June 23), meaning chipper crews have made curbside stops to pick up tree limbs and dead vegetation and chip it into mulch. The Valley’s fire agencies—Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City Fire Departments and San Bernardino County Fire—tell KBHR that the remaining requests will be completed within a few days. More

Courtesy of KBHR

San Bernardino National Forest Raises Fire Restrictions

San Bernardino, Ca, August 31, 2010 - Moderate to severe drought conditions, hot weather and lower fuel moisture have prompted the San Bernardino National Forest to increase fire restrictions on Thursday, September 2. Forest officials are taking these steps to prevent human-caused fires and raise public awareness as the summer continues to get warmer and dryer.  Most wildfires on the San Bernardino National Forest are human-caused and increased restrictions are designed to reduce wildland fires. Forest visitors are reminded to exercise caution when visiting the National Forest and maintain a higher level of awareness with the increased fire risk. Travelers through the Forest should remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass.   Fire restrictions and guidelines effective September 2, 2010 on the San Bernardino National Forest are as follows: Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in campgrounds and picnic grounds and within agency provided fire rings or camp stoves.   Forest Rangers may further restrict campfires from campgrounds under extreme fire conditions.  Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted at Yellow Post campsites due to high fire danger.  Propane and gas stoves only at Yellow Post sites. More

Courtesy of KBHR

Disaster Preparedness...Are You Ready?

Thinking about and preparing for disasters in advance helps us to better weather the storm. Involve the entire family in disaster preparedness discussions and preparations. Talk with family members about what the risks are and what your family will do if disaster strikes. Consider the special needs of children, seniors and those with mobility issues. More

CPR/AED Class

The next CPR/AED class is scheduled for January 8, 2011 at 9:00 AM at the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District headquarters. The cost of the class is $30.00.

It includes:

• Two year certification card
• Class book with CD
• Keychain CPR pocket mask.

For additional information and to register, call (909)866-4668. More

San Bernardino Hazardous Waste Program

Hazardous wastes discarded from homes may threaten human health or the environment when disposed of improperly.  Many people don't realize it, but there are a lot of common household items that are considered hazardous. These include medications, paint, motor oil, antifreeze, auto batteries, lawn care products, pest control products, drain cleaners, pool care products such as chlorine and acids, and household cleaners. Some household cleaners may be harmful separately or when combined, such as ammonia and bleach.

San Bernardino County offers numerous options for residents to dispose of household hazardous waste. For the City of Big Bear Lake, hazardous waste may be disposed at the Public Service Yard, 42040 Garstin Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA on
Saturdays between 9 am – 2 pm.

For more information, visit www.sbcfire.org/hazmat/hhwcollection.asp