We are still getting drift smoke in the Big Bear Valley today, resulting from fires off the mountain, none of which pose a threat to our area. Our local firefighters have been involved in assisting other communities though as, this week, four firefighters from the Big Bear City Fire Department and two from Big Bear Lake have been battling the Oak Glen Fire (which is 95% contained); Big Bear Lake Fire Department personnel have also been on firefighting teams on the Station, Morris, and Cottonwood Fires; and, still, as of today, a crew from the Fawnskin station of the San Bernardino County Fire Department remains on the Oak Glen incident, assisting with station #49’s water tender. All are encouraged to be fire safe here in the Big Bear Valley and, to that end, the San Bernardino National Forest has implemented additional restrictions, effective this week—those heightened fire restrictions dictate that there are to be no wood or charcoal fires anywhere on the forest. If visiting the forest, please remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass, and limit smoking to enclosed vehicles, buildings and developed recreation sites. For more specifics on restrictions on the forest, effective September 1, see our story posted August 31.)
Update: As of this afternoon, CalFire and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department have determined that the Oak Glen Fire is human-caused. The investigation is ongoing. Fire containment remains at 95%. Also, Oak Glen will be open for their annual Labor Day Apple Festival.
