There are no fires burning within the Big Bear Valley or on the San Bernardino National Forest [confirmed again this morning, this afternoon], so that thick smoke you are seeing and smelling is drift smoke. This drift smoke is from the La Brea Fire on the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara, and southwest winds are bringing that smoke to the Big Bear Valley. According … [Read more...] about No Fires in the Big Bear Valley; Southwest Winds Bringing Drift Smoke from Santa Barbara-Area La Brea Fire
ALERTS/Breaking Big Bear News
No Fires in Big Bear Area; Drift Smoke Is Likely from La Brea Fire in Santa Barbara Area
There has been quite a bit of smoke at the west end of Big Bear Valley this afternoon, though this is drift smoke as there are no fires burning within Big Bear or on the San Bernardino National Forest at this time [3pm, August 13]. Officials with the Forest Service suggest that this smoke is drifting our way from the La Brea Fire, which is burning on the Los Padres National … [Read more...] about No Fires in Big Bear Area; Drift Smoke Is Likely from La Brea Fire in Santa Barbara Area
Falls Picnic Area Re-Opens With Bear-Proof Dumpsters; Forest Recreation Sites Had Been Closed in July
The Falls Picnic Area, Big Falls Trailhead and Vivian Creek Trailhead were re-opened by the San Bernardino National Forest this past weekend, following a closure on July 7 that was prompted by a bear that had been aggressive in the day use area of the facility near Forest Falls. Since the closure went into affect, the bear has not been sighted in the area, likely because the … [Read more...] about Falls Picnic Area Re-Opens With Bear-Proof Dumpsters; Forest Recreation Sites Had Been Closed in July
Roads Update: CalTrans Projects Prompt Flagging and Delays on All Three Mountain Routes
For motorists traveling up and down the mountain this week, weekday roadwork does continue on all three mountain routes: Highway 18 down the front way to Highway 330, Highway 18 from Baldwin Lake en route to the desert communities, and Highway 38 over Onyx Summit and through Angelus Oaks. Due to the Big Bear bridge project at the dam, there is weekday flagging, and up to 15 … [Read more...] about Roads Update: CalTrans Projects Prompt Flagging and Delays on All Three Mountain Routes
Today’s Fire Danger Is “Moderate,” Though Increased Restrictions on the San Bernardino National Forest Remain in Place
Though yesterday was a Red Flag Warning day in Big Bear, as issued by the National Weather Service and indicating critical fire conditions, fire officials with the San Bernardino National Forest have determined that today’s conditions warrant a “moderate” on the fire danger scale. Still, increased fire restrictions on the forest, which took effect last Friday, remain in place. … [Read more...] about Today’s Fire Danger Is “Moderate,” Though Increased Restrictions on the San Bernardino National Forest Remain in Place