HISTORY

In the early days of Big Bear, there was no organized fire department to combat fires or provide emergency medical services.

In 1923, the Big Bear Valley Women's Club raised $500 for two manually drawn 40 gallon badger type chemical fire carts. After their use, it was the responsibility of the person having the fire to pay for re-servicing the carts. These carts augmented local civilian bucket brigades.

In 1927, the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District was formed and operated under a Board of Directors appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

Big Bear Lake Fire Dept. with Chief Larry Boyle-1935

In 1957, the citizens of Big Bear voted to reorganize the district to become a self-governed district with a locally elected Board of Directors.

In 1980, when the City of Big Bear Lake was incorporated, the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District became a subsidiary District of the City and the City Council serves as the Fire District Board of Directors.

The first fire station was located in an automotive bay at the Elmer Deems Garage located on Pineknot Ave. This building today is Joe's Barber Shop, Wings Jewelers and other shops.

The fire station later relocated to an old boat building at the corner of Pine Knot Ave. and Big Bear Blvd on the site which now consists of the Big Bear Lake Post Office and Rotary Park.

 
Pine Knot Ave. & Big Bear Blvd. (Now Post Office)

In 1949, a new fire station was built at Knickerbocker Rd. and Big Bear Blvd.

Knickerbocker Fire Station (photo 1960's)

In 2000, a new modern Station headquarters was built at 41090 Big Bear Blvd, near Knight Ave.

Engine-283A: 1950 FWD; 750 GPM; 500 gallon

Past and Present Chiefs

The first Chief of Big Bear Lake was Ed Stanfield who also was the constable. He served between 1927 and 1944.

Chief Larry Boyle served between 1945 and 1966.

Chief John Pool served between 1966 and 1969.

Chief Don Johnson served from 1969 to 1978. Chief Johnson came from the L.A. County Fire Department.

Chief John Linder served from 1978 to 1983.

Chief Ed Kimbrough served from 1983 to 1997.Chief Kimbrough was employed by Gardena Fire Department prior to hiring on with Big Bear as a Captain in 1980.

From 1997 to 1999, John Morley served as acting chief.

Chief Robert C. May served between 1999 and 2002.

Chief Ken Hammond served between 2002 and 2005.

Chief John Morley serving from 2005 to present.