The City of Big Bear Lake and the entire Big Bear Valley remain under a fire advisory for this weekend due to the El Dorado Fire, and visitors are still encouraged to postpone trips until after the fire threat has passed.

Although not an imminent threat to Big Bear Lake at this time, the El Dorado Fire is still a significant concern for our community. 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.

The El Dorado Fire has continued to burn in the same general area for the past few days, and the northern edge remains just south of SR 38, approximately 5 1/2 miles due south of Big Bear Lake. Fire personnel continue to work hard to contain the fire, and efforts are focused on preventing the fire from crossing SR 38. Thus far, their efforts have been successful, and the City greatly appreciates their diligent efforts.

The El Dorado Fire (thankfully) does not pose an imminent threat to Big Bear Lake at this time, but it remains a significant concern and 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.

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.

The City of Big Bear Lake and the entire Big Bear Valley remain 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!