Big Bear Lake, CA, August 29, 2011, 9:00am – Some very intense thunderstorms developed in Big Bear Valley on Saturday. The storms dumped heavy rain and hail, along with thunder and lightning and flooding of some streets and low lying areas. Several small fires were reported in the mountains as a result of lightning strikes. Three Super Scoopers, planes capable of holding 1410 gallons of water, dropped water on the Mile Fire off highway 38 near Forest Service Road 1N54 and 1N04. The fire was initially about three acres and not considered a threat to the Valley. Other fires were reported, including one near the dump road off North Shore in the Gold Mountain Area. Fires were also reported on Sugarloaf Mountain and Bear Mountain Resort. All of the fires that were caused by lightning strikes have been contained, but residents may notice drift smoke in the valley.
