LINE FIRE UPDATE

AS OF 5:30 PM SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

BIG BEAR LAKE IS UNDER AN

EVACUATION ORDER FROM

BIG BEAR DAM EAST TO WILDROSE LANE & THE SOUTH SHORELINE

TO BLUFF LAKE BASIN.

THE ONLY EXIT IS SR-18 TO LUCERNE VALLEY

"Due to the “Line Fire”, Evacuation Orders have been issued in the City of Big Bear Lake from the Big Bear Dam to Wildrose Lane and the south shoreline south to Bluff Lake Basin. City Manager Erik Sund has issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency. I want to express my support of the City Manager’s proactive decision to issue this Proclamation which will make additional resources available to help protect the residents of Big Bear Lake in addition to our beloved community at this critical time.”

- Mayor Perri Melnick

PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY

Whereas on September 5, 2024, a fire started in the San Bernardino National Forest in California. Now known as the Line Fire, over 27,974 acres have burned in heavy vegetation in steep terrain with a rapid rate of spread. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ("'CAL FIRE"), the Line Fire has been extremely active, and is expected to remain active and there is an imminent risk of the Line Fire extending to the City of Big Bear Lake and/or surrounding communities. City Manager Erik Sund, Director of Emergency Services of the City of Big Bear Lake, has proclaimed that a local emergency now exists in the City of Big Bear Lake.

The City of Big Bear Lake is closely monitoring the Line Fire and weather conditions, including the local Red Flag Warning in effect for Big Bear Valley area from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM today and an Air Quality Alert that is in effect until 11:00 PM. today. Staff is in close communication with our interagency partners, and will continue to share important updates and notices via email, the City’s website, and our social media channels: X, Facebook, and Instagram. Click here to sign up for email updates from the City of Big Bear Lake.

Southern California Edison has advised that there is a reasonable chance of a proactive power disconnection tonight from approximately 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM tomorrow, September 11^th, due to high winds in Lucerne Valley. Bear Valley Electric Service Inc. and the City advise residents and visitors to take the following proactive measures: plug valuable electronics into surge protectors to limit damage, make an emergency kit with flashlights, a battery-operated radio, non-perishable food, water, medications, a first aid kit, and other essentials, keep refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food. Food in the refrigerator can stay fresh for about four hours, and food in the freezer can last up to 48 hours. In the event of a power outage, you may also access important updates on local radio stations KBHR 93.3 FM and 102.5 FM.

Motorists should monitor road conditions frequently with the Caltrans QuickMap tool or by calling 211, and exercise caution while driving in hazardous conditions.

Big Bear Lake City Hall will hold virtual business hours for the remainder of this week from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. If you need assistance, please call (909) 866-5831. We also recommend signing up for San Bernardino County email updates and the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS). Unified incident command for the Line Fire is administered by CAL FIRE San Bernardino-Inyo-Mono Unit, City of Highland and San Bernardino National Forest, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, and San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. Cal Fire is documenting the response effort and providing real-time information on their Line Fire Incident Page, available here. In addition, San Bernardino County's Incident Page, which contains links to important resources, can be seen here.

It’s important to understand the difference between an Evacuation Warning and an Evacuation Order, when issued. San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department explains:

Evacuation Warning - ACTIVE NOW IN THE REMAINDER OF THE BIG BEAR VALLEY

• This is a precautionary alert.
• It means conditions might worsen, and you should prepare to leave.
• You should gather essentials and be ready to evacuate quickly, and monitor updates.
• Evacuation is not yet mandatory, but is strongly advised to be prepared.
• Potential threat to life and property.
• Leave now if you need additional time to evacuate or have pets or livestock.

Evacuation Order - ACTIVE NOW FOR BIG BEAR DAM EAST TO WILDROSE LANE & THE SOUTH SHORELINE TO BLUFF LAKE BASIN

• This is a mandatory alert.
• It means conditions are immediately dangerous and you must leave the area for your safety.
• Staying could put your life at risk.
• A lawful order to evacuate due to immediate threat to life and property.

The Sheriff's Department provides evacuation notice updates on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Stay informed and connected

On Saturday, San Bernardino County proclaimed the existence of a local emergency in response to the Line Fire. Later in the day, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency in San Bernardino County. Both actions make San Bernardino County eligible for state and federal assistance in responding to and recovering from the fire.

Cal Fire is documenting the response effort and providing real-time information on their Line Fire Incident Page, available here. In addition, San Bernardino County's Incident Page, which contains links to important resources, can be seen here.

Emergency Information & Links

In emergency situations, information is distributed quickly on social media. To stay up to date on the Line Fire, these first responder accounts on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram are recommended.

Cal Fire - X, Facebook, Instagram

San Bernardino National Forest - X, Facebook

San Bernardino County Fire - X, Facebook, Instagram

Big Bear Fire Department - Facebook, Instagram

San Bernardino County Sheriff - X, Facebook, Instagram

San Bernardino County Sheriff, Big Bear Station - X, Facebook, Instagram

Bear Valley Unified School District - Website & Facebook

The Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) sends important messages and Emergency Alert Notifications from San Bernardino County Emergency Management. Sign up for TENS here or by calling (909) 356-3998.

You can also call 211 for information regarding road closures, evacuation routes, animal care resources, shelter information, mental health support, and food assistance. You should only call 911 for immediate emergencies. Your cooperation ensures that urgent help is available when needed.

Road closure information provided by Caltrans and CHP.

Plan your route accordingly to avoid delays.

For the most current information, call 211, follow Caltrans on Facebook or visit: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

SR-38

• SR-38 is closed in both directions from Bryant St. to Lake Williams due to fire spread. Only residents from evacuation areas along SR-38 may use it as an evacuation route in both directions. Traffic control points are being manned by CHP and Caltrans.

SR-18

• SR-18 is closed from Kuffel Canyon (1.3 mi north of the junction of SR 173 at Santa's Village) to SR-38 (Big Bear Dam). Evacuations are able to occur, but no inbound traffic allowed as fire crews are in the area.

SR-330

• SR-330 is closed in both directions from Highland Avenue to SR-18 in Running Springs due to the fire jumping the road. Caltrans crews started assessing damages, and will continue those operations today as well. There is no ETA for reopening the route at this time.