Big Bear News – Big Bear Lake, CA – At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, Big Bear Fire Department units, along with CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service, were dispatched to a reported vegetation fire in the vicinity of Bear Mountain Resort.
Several Big Bear Fire Department units were already staged at Bear Mountain Resort for the Grand Prix motorcycle race when crews observed a column of smoke to the west. With no clear initial location of the fire, Battalion Chief 2807, accompanied by law enforcement, responded toward 2N10 in an attempt to locate the incident.
After initially being unable to locate the fire, Battalion Chief 2807 and law enforcement turned around and were flagged down by citizens who directed responding units to 1209 Aspen Drive. Upon arrival, Battalion Chief 2807 reported a small, single-story residential structure fully involved in fire, with fire extending into vegetation to the rear of the residence.
Medic Engine 282 arrived and established a water supply before deploying hose lines to the rear of the property for exterior fire attack. Medic Truck 281 assisted with exterior fire suppression. Medic Ambulance 281 was assigned to provide medical support, while Medic Engine 283 arrived and was assigned to interior operations.
CAL FIRE Engine 3586 responded and assisted with the vegetation fire threat. Engine 96 provided station coverage at Station 281 during the incident. U.S. Forest Service resources were canceled after the fire was brought under control.
Firefighters achieved knockdown in less than 20 minutes, preventing further spread into the surrounding vegetation and nearby properties. No neighboring structures were impacted, and no injuries to civilians or fire suppression personnel were reported.
Big Bear Fire Department would also like to recognize the citizens who assisted responding personnel in locating the incident, allowing crews to quickly reach the fire and begin suppression operations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
