Big Bear City Area Feels Series of Earthquakes; 3.2 and 3.3 Magnitude Tremors Among (Now) Eighteen on June 7

Big Bear City, CA — We had a series of earthquakes, most of them centered within four miles of Big Bear City, today, with two of those tremors registering a magnitude over 3.0 in the 1pm hour. All told, we have had eleven earthquakes in our area (as of 3pm), each centered between three and seven miles north of Big Bear City. The first of these, at 9:23am, was of a magnitude 1.8, followed by a 2.6 magnitude tremor at 10:49am, and a 1.5 magnitude quake at 11:37am. At 1:31pm, there was a 1.6 magnitude quake and, then, a minute later at 1:32pm, a 3.3 magnitude earthquake centered four miles directly north of Big Bear City. In quick succession, we also had a 1.4 quake at 1:38pm, and then a 3.2 magnitude tremor at 1:41pm; a minute later, our eighth quake, a 2.6 magnitude, per the U.S. Geological Survey, occurred at 1:42pm. Earthquake number nine took place at 2:03pm, and was of a 1.6 magnitude; this was followed by a 1.7 magnitude quake at 2:38pm, and a 1.5 magnitude tremor at 2:43pm. According to the Big Bear City Fire Department, there are no reports of injury or damage resulting from these eleven quakes, though all emergency vehicles from the department were pulled out of the station’s garage, as a precautionary measure. These quakes have not yet been evaluated by a seismologist, though there have been instances in the last year where what felt like an earthquake in that vicinity was actually blasting being done at the Mitsubishi Plant, just north of Big Bear City off Highway 18. Just the same, all Big Bear Valley residents are encouraged to be earthquake prepared—you can visit our “Quake Up” Call story for specifics, which include keeping an emergency supply of food and water available, as well as a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit.
Update: Subsequent earthquakes occurred at 3:06pm and 3:08pm, and registered magnitudes of 1.6 and 1.9.  There have also been reports of earthquakes centered in the vicinity of Lucerne Valley, which (as the crow flies) is several miles north of Big Bear City. And another update: Quakes #14 and 15 took place at 3:38pm and 3:42pm, and registered magnitudes of 1.7 and 2.0; the former was located six miles northwest of the City of Big Bear Lake. All others were a few miles north of Big Bear City. Update #3: Three more quakes were centered north of Big Bear City in the 4pm hour; these were of a magnitude 2.4, 1.8 and 1.7.

Quake Wake: Five Earthquakes Centered Outside Big Bear Lake Friday Morning; Largest Tremor Registers 2.7 Magnitude

Big Bear Lake, CA — It you felt a stirring in the wee hours last night (May 14), it wasn’t the wind, but five earthquakes, each of them centered five miles north of the City of Big Bear Lake. The first of these occurred at 2:15am Friday morning, and was of a magnitude of 1.5, which was followed at 3:06am by a more severe earthquake of a 2.7 magnitude. The 2.7 quake was followed by a smaller one, a 1.5, at 3:15am. At 3:19am this morning, we had two earthquakes, registered by the U.S. Geological Survey as 1.1 and 1.5 magnitude tremors. These five earthquakes, in the space of just over an hour, are a reminder to be earthquake prepared; for starters, all households should have a backup supply of food and water, as well as a battery operated radio and a first aid kit. For more earthquake preparedness suggestions, visit our posting on the “Quake-Up Call” issued by the Big Bear City Fire Department.

Earthquake of 1.9 Magnitude Is Fourth in a Week, Centered Between Big Bear Lake and Running Springs

Though you may have thought it more strong winds, we did have an earthquake in our area yesterday evening. At 6:29pm Monday, and centered seven miles west northwest of Big Bear Lake, six miles northeast of Running Springs, there was an earthquake of a 1.9 magnitude. It was just last week that we had three earthquakes, all of which were centered in this same vicinity, just between Big Bear Lake and Running Springs. For specifics on earthquake preparedness, you can review some safety tips from the Big Bear City Fire Department—in the meantime, it is suggested that you have plenty of food and water, should a massive earthquake hit our area, and be sure that your family has a disaster preparedness plan.
Update: On Wednesday, April 14, we had yet another quake in this area–a 2.5 magnitude tremor–at 4:18pm, centered eight miles west of Big Bear Lake, four miles east northeast of Running Springs.

Baja’s 7.2 Tremor on Easter Prompts Another “Quake-Up” Call: Are You Earthquake Prepared?

Big Bear City, CA — In light of yesterday’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Baja Mexico, which was felt here (as a long, slow roll) in the Big Bear Valley at 3:40pm–and two local earthquakes since*–the Big Bear City Fire Department offers another “quake-up” call to residents; all are reminded to check disaster preparedness plans and supplies, as we never know when we will be rattled by a big quake (such as the 6.4 magnitude tremor we had in June 1992). Before an earthquake rattles Big Bear, the fire department reminds residents to check for hazards in your home. Tips include fastening shelves securely to walls; place large or heavy objects on lower shelves; store breakable items (such as bottled foods, glass and china) in low, closed cabinets with latches; brace overhead light fixtures; and hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit. When an earthquake does strike, take cover under a piece of heavy furniture, or against an inside wall, and hold on and stay inside; standing inside a doorway is no longer recommended. If outdoors, move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires and trees, and stay in the open until the shaking stops. Bear City Fire also recommends that each family member know how to turn off gas, electricity and water, and teach children how and when to call 911. Disaster supplies on hand should include flashlights and batteries; a portable, battery-operated radio; a first aid kit; and emergency food and water. In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (which is a likely possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. For more earthquake preparedness tips, you can visit BigBearCityFire.org.

*Since posting this story, on Monday evening, April 5, we had two earthquakes centered in our area. At 5:36pm, a 2.3 magnitude quake was centered seven miles west northwest of Big Bear Lake; at 6:20pm yesterday, a 1.5 magnitude tremor was recorded six miles west northwest of Big Bear Lake (and seven miles northeast of Running Springs).
Update: Subsequent earthquakes in our area include a 2.1 magnitude quake on Tuesday, April 6 at 12:29pm, centered seven miles west northwest of Big Bear Lake; a 1.8 quake on Wednesday at 5:46am, centered five miles southeast of Big Bear City; and, at 8:04am Wednesday, a 2.0 magnitude quake centered seven miles west northwest of Big Bear Lake.

Ready for the Next Big One? Fire Departments Partner to Offer Tips on Surviving the Next Snow Storm, Earthquake or Wildfire

Big Bear Valley, CA — Our local fire agencies–including the Big Bear City Fire Department, the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District, and San Bernardino County Fire, which has stations in both Fawnskin and Baldwin Lake–have issued a joint press release, urging Big Bear Valley residents to be prepared for the next storm event. Though we are enjoying sunny skies today, more snow could arrive as soon as tomorrow (Wednesday). Per the fire departments’ press release:

Surviving Yet Another Event in the Big Bear Valley: Are You Prepared for the Next One?
Big Bear has experienced many major events in the past 20+ years; including a 6.4 earthquake, March Miracle of flooding, wildfire evacuations, and now the heavy snowfall we recently experienced. We would like to think that we learn from each of these disasters and to be more prepared before another event happens. Yet, each time we experience a disaster in Big Bear, we find that there are many residents and visitors alike who are not fully prepared. All three fire agencies in the Big Bear Valley have collaborated to develop a “must do” list of preparedness along with suggestions to prepare for the future, regardless of the type of event.

STAY INFORMED! Watch, read, and go online. See what the weather predictions are. Are there any fires nearby?  If you are away for an extended vacation or season, entrust your home needs to a neighbor, contract home service, etc.
TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS! Get to know who lives nearby, do they have any special needs, check on each other. Better yet, take the next series of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) classes that will teach you preparedness and how to help your neighbors.
SECURE HELP AHEAD OF TIME! Establish contracts for regular snow removal service from walkways, driveways and roofs too, if necessary. Arrange for transportation off the hill. Agencies have sandbags for flooding for temporary water diversion; a more permanent solution should be constructed before your property floods again.
STOCK UP! Check your medication supplies frequently, make sure you have enough to last you for several weeks. Is there plenty of food in the house, diapers, pet food, bottled water, etc.? Rotate these items and keep it in mind every time you visit the grocery store. If you hear of impending problems such as weather or fire, stock up a little more on items you know you may need. How about that gas tank in your car? Try not to let it get much below half to assure you have plenty of fuel to leave the mountain.
HELP HIDDEN DEVICES! Be aware of your nearest fire hydrant year round. Make sure it is clear of fences, weeds, debris, and snow. Dig out your gas meter during times of heavy snow. Watch for low utility lines.
DON’T BE IN THE DARK! Keep lots of battery operated lights on hand for when the electricity goes out. If you have to use candles, safety is of utmost importance; never leave them unattended or burning all night. Have games on hand for the kids; kids can get scared when the power goes out and bored when there are no electronics.
STAY TUNED IN! Always have a portable radio with fresh batteries handy to listen to the local radio station.  KBHR 93.3 has an emergency generator and they are very helpful with current information during times of disaster. Other media resources include the Internet with TV6, The Grizzly local paper, Facebook and Twitter for each fire agency.
MEET YOUR BASIC NEEDS! Don’t depend on emergency services for negligible needs when a major event is occurring. Fire agencies are busy dealing with the immediate need situations. Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 for a true emergency, but use your preparedness skills for day-to-day needs.

Remember, it is not a matter of IF another major event occurs, but WHEN; will you be ready? Check out our websites regularly for further tips and tricks for disaster preparedness.
www.bigbearcityfire.org
www.bblfd.com
www.sbcfire.org

Bear City Fire Department Issues “Quake-Up Call”; Are You Earthquake Prepared?

Given the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti and the 6.5 quake in Northern California this week, the Big Bear City Fire Department reminds Valley residents to check disaster preparedness plans and supplies, as we never know when a big quake (such as the 6.4 magnitude tremor we had in June 1992) will strike; in fact, just this morning, we had a 1.2 magnitude quake just outside Big Bear Lake (at 6:33am), and a 1.7 in Running Springs. Before an earthquake rattles Big Bear, the fire department reminds residents to check for hazards in your home. Tips include fastening shelves securely to walls; place large or heavy objects on lower shelves; store breakable items (such as bottled foods, glass and china) in low, closed cabinets with latches; brace overhead light fixtures; and hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit. When an earthquake does strike, take cover under a piece of heavy furniture, or against an inside wall, and hold on and stay inside; standing inside a doorway is no longer recommended. If outdoors, move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires and trees, and stay in the open until the shaking stops. Bear City Fire also recommends that each family member know how to turn off gas, electricity and water, and teach children how and when to call 911. Disaster supplies on hand should include flashlights and batteries; a portable, battery-operated radio; a first aid kit; and emergency food and water. In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (which is a likely possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. For more earthquake preparedness tips, you can visit BigBearCityFire.org.

Morning Earthquake of 1.7 Magnitude Centered Outside Big Bear Lake

If you felt a little rattle just after the 9am hour [today, December 15], that was a 1.7 magnitude earthquake, centered six miles northwest of Big Bear Lake at 9:09am. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that the 1.7 quake registered a depth of over five miles.

Sheriff’s Department Oversees Dismantling of House Considered Blight to Sugarloaf Neighborhood

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station, under the direction of Captain Greg Garland, has been working to clean up the Big Bear Valley, in part by addressing code enforcement violations and conducting code sweeps over a six-month period this year. Code sweeps, in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Code Enforcement Division, have resulted in cleaner neighborhoods and, all told, the towing of 188 vehicles, boats and trailers in violation of County and vehicle codes. Earlier this year, the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station also oversaw the removal of a structure on south Pine Avenue in Sugarloaf that was leaning over and a blight to the neighborhood; this spring cleaning project was aided by fire department personnel and County inmates, who cleaned up the property once the structure had been bulldozed. As of today, December 3, another one of 13 structures noticed by Code Enforcement is being dismantled, this one at 494 Los Angeles at Barton in Sugarloaf. As Captain Greg Garland tells KBHR, “We are tearing it down today. We wanted to do something to better the community, and this is our second stab at it.” The building has been vacant since the big earthquake of 1992 and, in addition to having been vandalized, is in violation of numerous County and fire codes. Garland notes that the owners could not afford to clean up the location so, the Captain adds, “We’ll have it cleaned and, by next week, we will have a nice clean lot.”

Sunday Morning Quakes, Centered North of Big Bear City, Register Magnitudes of 3.7 and 2.4

Sunday morning got started with a jolt here in the Big Bear Valley, this due to an earthquake centered six miles south southeast of Lucerne Valley, seven miles north northwest of Big Bear City. The 7:55am quake on November 22 registered a 3.7 magnitude, per the U.S. Geological Survey, and went to a depth of just over two miles. Two minutes later, at 7:57am, we had another quake, this one centered in the same location and registering a magnitude of 2.4, while recorded at a depth of 2.5 miles. Despite these relatively large quakes centered just outside the Big Bear Valley, there have been no reports of injury or damage in our area, according to local emergency personnel.
The Valley’s largest earthquake in recent memory was back in June of 1992, when we were rattled by a 6.4 magnitude quake, which did prompt damage to buildings and roadways. For information on other earthquakes, click on the Earthquake News tab below; we generally report on local tremors registering a 1.6 magnitude or greater.

Earthquake at 12:13am, Our Eighth This Week, Registers 1.7 Magnitude

We’ve had our share of earthquakes this week—now eight since Saturday, though none of them registering a magnitude over 1.8. At thirteen minutes after midnight today, November 18, we had another tremor, this one of a 1.7 magnitude, and centered four miles south of Big Bear City, four miles southeast of Big Bear Lake and, per the U.S. Geological Survey, registering a depth of over three miles.

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