LINE FIRE UPDATE

AS OF 3:30 PM SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

BIG BEAR VALLEY IS UNDER AN EVACUATION WARNING

FROM BIG BEAR DAM TO CACTUS RD.

The City of Big Bear Lake values the safety of its residents and visitors, and is continually monitoring the Line Fire and will be providing updates as they become available.

Travel Update for Big Bear Residents & Visitors:

• Out of abundance of caution and safety, the City of Big Bear Lake asks that you avoid the area if you do not need to be here. For those who are able to leave, we kindly encourage you to do so. This can help ease traffic and make the journey a little smoother for everyone. Thank you for your understanding!
• If you're planning to leave the mountain from Big Bear, use SR-18 towards Lucerne Valley.
• Be prepared if an evacuation order is issued.

The Line Fire has burned 23,601 acres between Highland and Running Springs since it began on September 5th. Containment is 3%.

View updates here.

Ensure your family and home are ready in case of an evacuation.



• Make sure your vehicle is fully fueled or charged.
• Have a Go Bag packed with necessary items such as cash, important documents, phones, medicines and medical devices.
• Make sure to have key items for babies, elders, people with medical needs and pets. 

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

• 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

• 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 to Lake Williams due to fire spread. Residents may evacuate down or up on SR 38. 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.

Line Fire Impacts Air Quality

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) monitors air quality across Southern California. Recent numbers from the agency indicate the impact the line fire is having on public health. Currently, the air quality for Big Bear Lake is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. AQMD's Air Quality Index map is available on their official website. Protect yourself and others with these tips:

• Stay indoors if you can, and avoid strenuous activity.
• Use an air purifier or air conditioner unit with a filter to keep the air inside clean.
• Avoid using whole house fans / attic fans, lighting candles, fireplaces or gas stoves.