El Dorado Fire
Update #7
September 20, 2020 - 12 noon
EL DORADO FIRE REMAINS SOUTH OF SR 38,
THANKFULLY STILL NOT AN IMMINENT THREAT TO BIG BEAR LAKE AT THIS TIME
The El Dorado Fire continues to burn due south of Big Bear Lake, and remains south of SR 38, approximately 5.5 miles south of Big Bear Lake. The fire intensity has decreased as the fire burns into the previous Lake Fire scar, aiding Fire personnel in their battle to protect Big Bear and other surrounding areas.

At this time, the El Dorado Fire (thankfully) still does not pose an imminent threat to Big Bear Lake, but we continue to closely monitor the threat to our community. City officials remain in close contact with Fire officials, and will adjust our guidance for our community if / when necessary due to changing conditions.

The City encourages everyone to remain vigilant, continue to monitor the fire status, and plan accordingly if the fire threat escalates.

Current Fire Map - 9 am 9/20/2020
BIG BEAR ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT, VISITORS STILL ENCOURAGED TO POSTPONE TRIPS UNTIL AFTER THE FIRE THREAT HAS PASSED
The City of Big Bear Lake and the entire Big Bear Valley remain under a fire advisory at this time due to the El Dorado Fire, and visitors are still encouraged to postpone trips until after the fire threat has passed.
The City is encouraged by the progress that Fire personnel are making in controlling the fire, but we are not yet in the clear.

It is important for our community to be as prepared as possible IF an evacuation warning or order becomes necessary, and we are still seeking to minimize the population in the Big Bear Valley to enable a faster, more efficient evacuation IF ultimately necessary.

Image of Fixed Wing Planes Scooping Water from Big Bear Lake - 11:30 am 9/20/2020
BIG BEAR LAKE IS STILL NOT UNDER ANY EVACUATION WARNINGS OR ORDERS AT THIS TIME
Neither the City of Big Bear Lake nor any other communities in the Big Bear Valley are under an evacuation warning or an evacuation order at this time. Residents should continue to monitor the City's email updates (subscribe by clicking here), the City's website, the City's Facebook page (City of Big Bear Lake - City Government), on Twitter (@CityofBBL), or on Instagram (citybigbearlake) for the most current information pertaining to the City of Big Bear Lake.

The next step, IF it is eventually warranted, is the issuance of a formal evacuation warning, which will direct our residents to prepare for a potential evacuation order. The purpose of the evacuation warning is to provide ample time for residents to gather important documents, medications, clothing, and pet supplies, and make other arrangements IF an evacuation order ultimately becomes necessary. IF an evacuation order is issued, residents will be advised to leave Big Bear immediately due to an imminent fire threat.

Much of the terrain between the El Dorado Fire and the City of Big Bear Lake is steep and rugged, and SR 38 and the Santa Ana River are key trigger points for future Fire management decisions. IF the El Dorado Fire crosses SR 38, it is possible that an evacuation warning may be issued. IF the fire crosses the Santa Ana River, it is possible that an evacuation order may be issued.

All residents are advised to closely monitor the El Dorado Fire, and take appropriate precautions based on your individual circumstances. Everyone is always under a voluntary evacuation order at all times, and if you have special needs or concerns, please make appropriate preparations based on your specific circumstances.
MOSTLY BLUE SKIES IN BIG BEAR LAKE TODAY
The air quality in and around has varied significantly in the Big Bear Valley over the past week, depending on the fire intensity, fire location, wind speed, and wind direction. There have been periods of time with extremely poor air quality, and other times when conditions have been clearer.

There are mostly blue skies in Big Bear Lake today, as winds generally push smoke from the El Dorado Fire to the east.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the air quality, and take appropriate precautions to avoid prolonged exposure to poor quality air. To view the current air quality index in Big Bear Lake, please click here.
Frank A. Rush, Jr., City Manager
City of Big Bear Lake
39707 Big Bear Blvd. PO Box 10000, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 866-5831 | Fax: (909) 866-5491