The City of Big Bear Lake and the entire Big Bear Valley are currently under a fire advisory due to the El Dorado Fire, and this advisory is intended to raise community awareness about the potential threat to our community from the El Dorado Fire.

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.

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.

Be safe!

The El Dorado Fire has moved closer to Big Bear Lake over the past 36 hours, but (thankfully) does not pose an imminent threat to Big Bear Lake at this time. City officials remain in close contact with Fire officials, continue to monitor the threat to Big Bear Lake, and will adjust our guidance for our community if / when necessary due to changing conditions.

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 will be issued. IF the fire crosses the Santa Ana River, it is possible that an evacuation order will be issued. Fire personnel are working hard to contain the fire south of SR 38, however, and we remain hopeful they will be able to effectively contain the fire in that area and avoid any more serious threat to Big Bear Lake.

In an effort to minimize the population of the Big Bear Valley IF an evacuation order is ultimately necessary, visitors are still encouraged to postpone trips to the Big Bear Valley until after the fire threat has passed. Access to and from the Big Bear Valley is currently limited to SR 18 only, and a lower population in the Big Bear Valley will enable a faster, more efficient evacuation IF ultimately necessary.

Message board signs are posted on SR 18 near Snow Valley and at the Mitsubishi Cement Plant to advise motorists of the current fire threat in the Big Bear Valley.

SR 38 remains closed, and access to and from the Big Bear Valley is only available on SR 18 via Running Springs and Lucerne Valley.