The Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District has, as of yesterday afternoon, established a temporary fire station, including housing facilities, on Moonridge Road, to remain in place through the holidays. Additional emergency personnel will be on duty during peak time periods to accommodate the staffing of the facility, which is positioned between the two resorts. Fifteen percent of the fire department’s annual response volume has traditionally occurred in the two-week period surrounding the December holidays, as it is during this time that response activities increase. Per Fire Chief Rod Ballard, “By enhancing current staffing levels and placing resources at both the main fire station on Big Bear Boulevard as well as in the Moonridge area, the entire community benefits.” Last winter season, similar staffing arrangements were implemented in Moonridge and a 37 percent reduction in response times was achieved in that area of the City of Big Bear Lake and, per the Fire Protection District, comparable results are expected this season. Per a statement issued by the district: “It is the mission of the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District to serve and protect the community through public education, fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency rescue, disaster preparedness and other services in order to minimize the loss of life and property, damage to the environment and adverse economic impacts due to natural or human-made emergencies or events.”