U.S. Forest Service - San Bernardino National Forest

Big Bear Discovery Center Closed Due to No Water

The Big Bear Discovery Center, which serves as the visitor center and district ranger station for the Mountaintop District, is closed now and through the weekend, due to water line issues in the local area.
Check back on this platform for updates on the availability of the visitor center.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Please use the recreation and permits pages on our website for information if you're visiting this weekend: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/sbnf/recreation and https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sbnf/passes-permits

On July 16, 2024, a group of enthusiastic high school students visited the Team 15 camp at Glen Helen Parkway. The students were members of the MobilizeGreen Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), a partner organization of the U.S. Forest Service since 2016 that offers paid an immersive residential program for diverse high school students across the United States. Students spend three weeks living, learning, and working in a forest environment with a focus on conservation, leadership development, community building, and exploring green careers.

On their tour, students were introduced to the Incident Command System (ICS) and learned how the California Interagency Incident Management Team 15 (CAIMT15) handles wildland firefighting. The trip included a tour of camp facilities along with a description from each section representative about their role and duties on the incident. Students also had the opportunity to speak with the supervisors on the and learn how to about different career pathways into the agency.

To learn more about Mobilize Green YCC youth opportunities and career pathways, visit: https://www.mobilizegreen.org/.

Photos: Vista Fire Public Information Shop

From Tuesday, July 23 through Friday, July 26, the upper parking lot at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center will undergo maintenance and repairs. A few parking spaces near the Randall Henderson Trailhead will still be available for use. Please respect the closed-off areas, marked with orange cones and flags, so repairs can be completed as quickly and safely as possible. Thank you for your cooperation!

If you are seeing smoke in the region, it could be from an island. Islands are unburned vegetation inside the fire perimeter, usually from individual logs or stumps that continue to slowly smolder until the winter snow finally puts them out. Most islands are actively smoldering from late morning to mid-afternoon when temperatures drop. They are well within fire containment lines and pose no danger of escaping or igniting additional wildfires.

If you still have a concern of what you are seeing, please feel free to call the fire information line 909-220-4253 or the Federal Interagency Communication Center at 909-383-5652.

For more information on the San Bernardino’s fire management strategies and safety, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sbnf/fire

Wildland firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession that is significantly heightened by the challenges of steep terrain and erratic winds. Steep terrain can be extremely challenging for firefighters who carry over 45 lbs. of equipment over several miles as well as aircraft support that need ample space to ascend/descend and deliver water and supplies.

During the , firefighters were met with steep terrain in predominantly east-west drainages, which can cause upslope drafts that propel fire movement over containment lines. Steep terrain also hampers aircraft from accurately dropping retardant or water onto the fire. To mitigate those hazards, it’s imperative that ground crews and aircraft personnel maintain situational awareness and open lines of communication with each other.

The photos below are examples of challenging terrain firefighters encountered on the Vista Fire, including steep slopes, loose debris, and low visibility due to smoke.
For more information the Vista Fire, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2574ywnk.


Photo credit: Division H – Harrison Canyon Handcrew

New Fire Start Near Running Springs - The Blue Fire

Size: 5 acres
Start Date & Time: 7-21-24 2:03 pm
Containment: 0%
Cause: Under Investigation
Location: Below Running Springs
Unified Command Agencies: San Bernardino County Fire Dept., CalFire BDU, Running Springs Fire Dept., San Manuel Fire Department

At 2:03 pm today a fire started below the Running Springs area of the San Bernardino National Forest. Multiple units to include a full vegetation, ground, and aircraft attack response are on scene. Currently it is holding within the fire-retardant lines. This is allowing the ground resources to make progress.

“The fire area consists of heavy fuels and the topography in the area is making access difficult,” said San Bernardino Fire Chief Salvador Reyes.

The Forest Service has an emergency area closure in effect for Forest Road IN09 at the entrance of Highway 330.

Upcoming information will be available on the national forest websites at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sbnf/alerts-notices and https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices.

Courtesy photo by CalFire

REMS (Rapid Extraction Module Support) teams are brought in to provide effective and efficient means of egress off the fireline and medical attention for firefighters in case of illness or injury. On the , a REMS2 team was deployed as a precaution to the challenging terrain where air and ground medical services may be unable to reach due to heavy smoke, terrain obstacles, or the absence of drivable roads.

REMS2 is composed of four highly trained and skilled medical professionals from multiple regions across the United States. The team consists of qualified EMTs or paramedics with several years of experience in the wildland fire environment. In addition to their medical expertise, all team members hold numerous rescue certifications, including swift water rescue and rope rescue techniques (high/low angle rescue).

The team carries rope rescue gear, trauma kits for medical emergencies, and other equipment necessary to handle any medical situation that may arise. They’re also equipped with the LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator - a versatile medical device capable of functions such as AED operation, vital signs monitoring, defibrillation, and more. With the assistance of a 4x4 off-road vehicle, the REMS2 team is prepared to deploy rapidly to aid and extract injured firefighters.

One way they stay prepared is through training drills, seen in the photos below. At each incident, including the , the team regularly conducts training drills to stay proficient in all aspects of search and rescue. HART is the contractor, who brought in the REMS teams in this story.

Photos: REMS2 team conducting a training exercise
Members: Grayson Payne, Aaron Riley, Julia Corbin, Ryan Harrold

Come on Over to the Forest Festival!

The Forest Festival hosted by The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association is in full swing at the Barton Flats Visitor Center. Check out the informational booths and activities.
In the photo: The Sage and Parks family from Big Bear stopped by the Visitor Center booth to pick up some patches from Bettye Miller, Public Relations Officer for the SGWA.
The festival lasts until 3 p.m.

Daily Update: 2936 acres with 83% containment.
Total Personnel assigned to the fire is 297.
Fire Information: 909-220-4253 7a.m. – 7p.m.
Media Line: 909-220-4290
Email: [email protected]
More info:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-vista-fire

The USDA Forest Service applies Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technologies to enhance its ability to support the agency’s mission of sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Forest Service use of UAS supports numerous natural resource management and related agency activities, including wildfire suppression, forest health protection, and recreation.

The Anafi Type 4 UAS was used on the Vista Fire for reconnaissance, to identify any hotspots and to conduct small mapping missions around the fire's perimeter.

There are four different types of UAS: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4:

Types 1 and 2 (are typically fixed wing or larger longer endurance systems) are used for reconnaissance missions for wildland fires, checking the fire perimeter and identifying any hot areas. They can obtain close views and inspect the conditions and map the severity of damages after a wildland fire or other disasters.

Type 3 (Alta X) is typically used for aerial ignition. It uses a Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD), which is a critical tool for aerial ignition. Firefighters use PSDs in areas of the forest that are difficult to reach. Alta x is also capable of infrared (IR) Infrared imaging and small area mapping missions. (pictured below)

Type 4 (Anafi) is also used for reconnaissance. It has high-resolution photo and video capabilities and is used for small-scale videography and Fireline situational awareness. (pictured below)

The USDA Forest Service's adoption of UAS technology has significantly bolstered the ability to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands. These advanced technologies provide critical support for reconnaissance, hotspot identification, aerial ignition, and mapping missions. Through the deployment of varying UAS types, the agency has enhanced the capabilities in wildfire suppression, forest health protection, and recreational management ensuring effective and efficient management of the nation’s natural resources for current and future generations.

For more information on U.S. Forest Service UAS program click the link below. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/aviation/uas.

Daily Update: 2936 acres with 83% containment.
Total Personnel assigned to the fire is 396.
Fire Information: 909-220-4253 7a.m. – 7p.m.
Media Line: 909-220-4290
Email: [email protected]

Actualización del Incidente de la mañana: 2936 acres
Contención: 79%
Total de personal: 396
Línea sobre Incendios de Vista: 909-220-4253
Línea de medios: 909-220-4290
[email protected]
Horario: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

More info on Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-vista-fire

📷: Public information map of the Vista Fire area, July 19 2024.

Daily Update: 2936 acres with 83% containment.
Total Personnel assigned to the fire is 396.

More info on Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../cabdf-vista-fire

📷: Public information map of the Vista Fire area, July 19, 2024.

Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts are Authorized to Fully Operate on Lands, Roads and Trails otherwise Closed by Forest Order No. 05-01-24-08 and that are within the Administrative Boundary of the Angeles National Forest
Customers must hold a valid lift ticket/reservation with Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts. This exemption to the Vista Fire Closure Order does not apply to any lands, roads or trails within the administrative boundary of the San Bernardino National Forest.
All other closure specifics listed in the order are in effect and enforceable. Review the order at the forest’s website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sbnf/alerts-notices/?aid=88856

(Photo by Mt. Baldy Resort)

Forest Festival Celebrates Forest Life at Barton Flats Visitor Center July 20

The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association Forest Festival, a family-friendly celebration of forests and the outdoors, will be presented on Saturday, July 20, at the Barton Flats Visitor, located on Highway 38 about seven miles east of Angelus Oaks.
The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include opportunities to use a crosscut saw to create a “tree cookie” that will be branded with U.S. Forest Service and Smokey Bear logos; pan for gold; learn about the work of Friends of Big Bear Valley and their eagle cam; make a nature craft; learn what it takes to serve on a search-and-rescue team; hear what various outdoor and conservation groups do to protect our natural resources; learn about the history of Serrano Indians in the San Bernardino Mountains; visit with SGWA members, who patrol and maintain trails in the San Gorgonio and Cucamonga wilderness areas, and provide interpretive programs, and; more.
Smokey Bear will make appearances throughout the day, and SGWA volunteers will lead nature walks around the visitor center. Snacks and beverages will be available, and SGWA musicians will perform.
SGWA is a nonprofit organization that works with the U.S. Forest Service to protect the forest in and around the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Cucamonga Wilderness, and educates the public about this natural resource. Every year SGWA volunteers donate thousands of hours to the San Bernardino National Forest in a variety of activities, including interacting with the public on wilderness trails and at interpretive programs, clearing fallen trees that block trails and repairing damaged trail tread, and removing illegal fire rings in wilderness areas.
For more information about the Forest Festival or the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association please call the association at (909) 389-9650, or e-mail [email protected]. The association website is www.sgwa.org.

Daily Update: 2936 acres with 79% containment.
Total Personnel assigned to the fire is 396.

Actualización del Incidente de la mañana:
7-18-2024
2936 acres
Contención: 79%
Total de personal: 396
Línea sobre Incendios de Vista: 909-220-4253
Línea de medios: 909-220-4290
[email protected]
Horario: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

More info on Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-vista-fire

📷: Public information map of the Vista Fire area, July 18 2024.

Information currently being reported on the app is incorrect – there are currently no evacuations in effect for the Mount Baldy area or the Vista fire. The San Bernardino National Forest and California Interagency Incident Management Team 15 works closely with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department to provide timely and accurate information. The Mount Baldy Ski Area is currently closed because it falls into an area covered by current Forest Closure Order, again the Vista fire has no evacuations in effect.
Here's the link to our webpage where the closure order is located: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/?cid=FSEPRD1181411

San Bernardino National Forest - Home San Bernardino National Forest - Home

**** Work has Been Postponed by Caltrans****
SR-18 Bridge Maintenance in Running Springs July to August 2024

Caltrans District 8 is alerting the public that construction contractors will begin daytime work on State Route 18 (SR-18).
This week, work will take place July 18-19. Next week, work will resume Monday to Saturday, July 22-27. Daytime work will occur from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daytime lane closures may occur if necessary.
The purpose of the project is to perform preventive maintenance, including applying a polyester concrete overlay, upgrading signs, and repairing and enhancing the longevity of the bridge.

WORK POSTPONED! We will provide future rescheduling updates soon!

SBCO: SR-18 in San Bernardino & Running Springs. 🚧Our crews are starting daytime maintenance bridge work on SR-18 on July 18, 2024 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drivers should look out for cones & signs indicating lane reductions, if needed. 🚗 Commuter access will remain available. 🗒 See alert for schedule & location details: https://conta.cc/3WoPUMp.

July 17, 2024
Daily Update:
2936 acres with 67% containment.
Total Personnel assigned to the fire is 445

Actualización del Incidente de la mañana:
7-17-2024
2936 acres
Contención: 67%
Total de personal: 445

Línea sobre Incendios de Vista 909-220-4253
Línea de medios 909-220-4290
[email protected]
Horario: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-vista-fire

📷: Handwritten signs thanking firefighters in the Mt. Baldy community.

July 16, 2024
Morning Update:
2936 acres with 59% containment.
Total Personnel assigned to the fire is 610.
See InciWeb page for full update: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-vista-fire
Fire Information: 909-220-4253 7a.m. – 7p.m.
Media Line: 909-220-4290
Email: [email protected]

ACTUALIZACIÓN DEL INCIDENTE DE LA MAÑANA
Fecha: 7-16-2024 Hora: 10:00 am
Tamaño: 2936 acres
Contención: 59%
Total de personal: 610
Estructuras amenazadas: 416
Línea sobre Incendios de Vista 909-220-4253
Línea de medios 909-220-4290
[email protected]
Horario: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sitio web del incidente https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-vista-fire

Photo: View of the Vista Fire from Stockton Flats Rd. showing minimal fire activity, July 15, 2024. Photo credit: Logan Hatch

California Interagency Incident Management Team 15California Interagency Incident Management Team 15

July 15, 2024

Evening Update:
2936 acres with 59% containment.
Total Personnel assigned to the fire is 610.

See InciWeb page for full update: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/cabdf-vista-fire
Fire Information: 909-220-4253 7a.m. – 7p.m.
Media Line: 909-220-4290
Email: [email protected]

Actualización de la tarde:
2936 acres con 59% de contención.
El personal total asignado al incendio es 610.

Consulte la página de InciWeb para obtener la actualización completa: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/cabdf-vista-fire
Información sobre incendios: 909-220-4253 7 a. m. – 7 p.m.
Periodistas: 909-220-4290
Correo electrónico: [email protected]

Photo: Engine crews pulling hose on Vista Fire.
Photo credit. Cody Bailey

California Interagency Incident Management Team 15