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Living Quarters Above Garage

BIG BEAR, CA/November 3, 2022 – A residential structure fire was reported in the 42000 Block of Sonoma Drive, Big Bear Lake, at approximately 1:41 p.m., 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 scene for an hour to ensure completed extinguishment. The occupants of the home self-evacuated prior to fire crew arrival.

The structure fire required all units from the Big Bear Fire Department to respond with assistance from San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; Battalion Chief Dan Rogers was on-scene and in command of the response.

Cause of the fire is under investigation by Big Bear Fire Department.

Photo from Big Bear Fire Department

Big Bear Fire is Prepared

BIG BEAR, CA/February 24, 2023 – With the potential for this storm to bring snow measured in “feet” rather than “inches”, your Big Bear Fire Department has been working to be proactive by taking various measures to protect and support the community.  A request has been made, and approved for Hand Crews from Cal Fire CDC to come up and assist Big Bear Fire Department with various snow removal and other preparations throughout the City of Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City communities.  Big Bear Fire Department has also secured through the State Office of Emergency Services, a “Pre-Position” of additional personnel to be staffed at our local stations, comprised of Big Bear Fire Department firefighters.  These firefighters will staff one additional 911 response unit as well as the department’s Snow-Cat.  With these additional units staffed and ready, the Big Bear Fire Department is better prepared to address the potential challenges that come with a storm of this magnitude.  These additional firefighter positions will be reassessed on Sunday morning, as the reports indicate the storm’s passage in the overnight hours of Saturday to Sunday.  Additional management action decisions will be based on actual community impacts that are experienced through the duration of this storm.

With storms like this, the department asks the community to assist in keeping fire hydrants clear of snow. 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 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. To adopt a hydrant, visit our website at www.bigbearfire.org.

The Big Bear Fire Department would like to thank the community for hosting the Cal Fire Hand-crews with lodging and food. This generosity is the cornerstone of what this community has always done, and continues to do, by showing a true desire to help in times of need. 

Join Us for a Push-In Ceremony on November 8

Due to inclement weather, the push-in ceremony will be held inside at Station 281.

BIG BEAR, CA/October 26, 2022 – Big Bear Fire Department has received delivery of a new Pierce Arrow XT 4x4 Pumper Engine for Station 283 in Sugarloaf.

Medic Engine 283 is powered by a heavy-duty Cummins X12 engine, and has an XT chassis. The 500- gallon on-board water tank allows firefighters to immediately begin fire suppression efforts prior to connecting to the nearest hydrant. When connected to hydrants or alternate sources of water, the new engine has the ability to pump up to 1,500 gallons per minute. A clean cab concept is incorporated, where dirty or contaminated protective clothing and equipment from fire scenes is transported for decontamination back to the fire station in outer compartments, and not in the cab with firefighters.

The new engine was made possible as part of a three-year fleet replacement plan that includes a comprehensive financing package with favorable interest rates. Fire Chief Jeff Willis states, “This addition to our existing fleet of apparatus provides a contemporary, updated engine that will allow the Department to continue to provide excellent fire and life safety services in our community for decades to come.”

The public is invited to join us for a Push-In Ceremony on Tuesday, November 8, at 2:00 p.m. as we commission our new pumper engine. The ceremony will take place at Station 283 located at 550 Maple Lane in Sugarloaf. Come lend a hand as Big Bear firefighters wash the new engine and push it into the apparatus bay, ready for service!

The Push-In Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the fire service. Beginning in the 1800’s, after crews returned from a call on horse-drawn equipment, the animals were unable to back into the station, requiring members to detach the horses and push the equipment into the bay. When the first motorized fire engines were put into service in the early 19th century, firefighters continued to honor the push-in tradition which now celebrates the purchase of new apparatus by fire stations across the nation.