Current Events

Big Bear Fire Resumes Popular Chipping Program

Get your CHIP together, then go to ThinIsIn.org for removal of your tree and brush trimmings. Fuel reduction through trimming vegetation overgrowth is one of the most important actions homeowners can take to reduce the threat of wildfire around their homes. Due to the warm and dry winter season in the Big Bear Valley, high fire conditions will start early. Residents are asked to be diligent through the summer months by creating and maintaining a firewise property. This action supports the overall goal of being a firewise Big Bear Valley.

The popular curbside chipping program provided by Big Bear Fire Department begins on May 1, 2018. Online registration opens April 23, 2018 at ThinIsIn.org. Fire Chief Jeff Willis stated “Many residents have built their homes and landscaped without fully understanding the impact that a wildfire could have on them. It is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ the next major wildfire will threaten Big Bear Valley. The chipping program is free to residents and is an easy way to remove tree and brush trimmings from their property.”

The chipping program has been highly successful helping residents create defensible space around their structures. Advanced planning and preparation are key elements to ensuring properties are firewise. Be ready for the next wildfire by taking steps in advance of the summer and fall months ahead. Funding for the chipping program is provided through the California Firesafe Council, the CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Fund, the City of Big Bear Lake and your local Big Bear Fire Department.

For more information on the chipping program go to www.ThinIsIn.org. For creating defensible space, please contact the Big Bear Fire Department at www.BigBearFire.org or (909) 866-7566.

Big Bear Fire Wants to Connect with You

Over the past year, Big Bear Fire Department has transitioned into the age of social media with the goal of connecting to the community on relevant topics. The Department launched a Facebook page in February of 2017 and a Twitter account shortly thereafter. Now, a year later, the Department has broadened the information pushed out to include those emergency incidents that may impact resident and visitor experiences in the Big Bear Valley. Incidents showing up in social media will include structure and vegetation fires (referred to as FS or FV), traffic collisions with or without extrication (referred to as TC or TE), and Zero Draw Down.

Followers have been responding to Zero Draw Down posts expressing concern. Fire Chief Jeff Willis explains, “Zero Draw Down is used by Big Bear Fire Department when all of its ambulances are committed to calls. Level Zero queues the Department’s fire service leaders to take appropriate steps to ensure the areas within its coverage area are safe. While these situations cause our Department to make changes to overcome the challenge of 9-1-1 responses, these situations are typically of short duration.”

During Zero Draw Down situations, the Department will continue to respond to calls; however, options to staff additional ambulances may need to be implemented. Some options require the alteration of on-duty fire engine staffing, or the Department may activate its recall program that will page off-duty personnel to respond to the station to staff-up additional equipment. Additionally, all calls are screened by highly trained 9-1-1 operators that prioritize calls based on level of need and make the appropriate dispatch notifications.

Follow Big Bear Fire Department on Facebook and on Twitter @bigbearfiredept for incident information. Additional incident information can be obtained from the Department’s website, www.BigBearFire.org. The Department’s social media accounts are used only as a method to communicate to the public, but in no case should the public attempt to message the Department through these accounts since they are not monitored 24/7. To report an emergency, always call 9- 1-1.