BIG BEAR CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

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PRESS RELEASE

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DATE: October 28, 2003 FOR RELEASE: Immediately

CONTACT Big Bear Evacuation Information DISTRIBUTION: Open

PERSON: (909) 866-3437, ext. 3610

(909) 866-3437, ext. 3280

If busy, Deanne Berry at Big Bear City Fire Department (909) 585-2362

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SUBJECT: VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS

As of 9:00 a.m., the Big Bear Valley is being advised of a voluntary evacuation plan. Residents and visitors are being asked to leave the mountain area utilizing highways 18 and 38. Once you are off the mountain, you most likely will not be allowed back. Residents are being asked to leave now as Highway 38 may be closed in the near future. Citizens can assist public agencies by remaining calm, driving carefully, and not creating panic within our area.

The fire is still several miles away, however the potential for problems due to mountain terrain, winds, etc. is still a concern. For specific information on the fire, please contact these fire information numbers:

(909) 383-5688 – U. S. Forest Service

(909) 355-8800 – San Bernardino County Fire Department

These phones lines are very busy and we are asking for public’s patience and understanding.

The Emergency Operations Center is operating at Level Three at the Big Bear City Fire Department. The American Red Cross has set up Shelter sites for evacuees in:

Hesperia at the Hesperia High School 9898 Maple Avenue

San Bernardino International Airport (Norton Air Force Base).

The School Districts have been notified of the voluntary evacuation and are administering their plan for the children currently in school. Children will be held at the schools until their parents pick them up.

Here are some safety tips should an evacuation be necessary:

1. Move furniture away from windows.

2. Close windows and blinds and remove any fabric curtains.

3. Remove firewood off any decks, porches or away from structure.

4. Remove pine needles off roof areas.

5. Have a ladder available against the eaves of in front of your house.

6. Turn inside and outside lights on.

7. Move your garden hose to the driveway area.

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