5 Homes Reported Lost in Big Bear Valley Fire
Fire erupted in the east end of Big Bear Valley early Monday afternoon, sweeping through more than 100 acres of dry brush and scattered pines. It reportedly destroyed at least five vacation homes and threatened nearly two dozen others.
U.S. Forest Service information officer David Behrens said the flames broke out in theLake Baldwin area, where there was no available water supply. Firefighters were forced to pump water from a local sewage treatment plant.
By late afternoon, said Behrens, an estimated 250 firefighters had a line around the fire and the flames apparently were beginning to die down.
Participating in fighting the fire were the USFS, the state Department of Forestry, the San Bernardino County Fire Department, the federal Bureau of Land Management and the Big Bear City Fire Department.
Behrens said 30 fire engines, four helicopters and two bulldozers were on hand. Four air tankers were loaded with retardant, but were on hold for the time being.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
