To provide increased support during emergency and disaster situations, the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District has added Incident Support 281, known as IS-281, to its fleet of resources, which is a twenty-three foot mobile incident support unit, designed to accommodate a multitude of command and support functions in and outside of Fire District boundaries. The unit’s advanced mobile satellite system allows for the transfer of information through networked computers and satellite telephone, faxing, television and Internet access. It is equipped with radio communications to allow for the flow of information during a major disaster or in a remote location. The mobile unit has an additional function of a medical support unit and is registered with the State and Federal Resource Ordering Status System (ROSS) for deployment to major disasters, wildfires or large-scale emergencies for incidents occurring outside of Fire District boundaries. As a medical support unit, it is advanced life support qualified and carries trauma care equipment as well as a variety of over-the-counter medications. Completely self-contained for up to five days, this unit consists of two treatment beds, a sleeping area for unit personnel, a bathroom, cooking facility and heating and air conditioning. It also carries on-board a 10’ x 20’ fully enclosed and environmentally controlled treatment tent. In addition to the IS-281, the Fire District’s existing equipment includes three fire engines, a seventy-five foot aerial ladder truck, brush engine, water tender, rescue unit, administrative staff vehicles and an antique fire engine.
