Welcome to BigBearChipping.org

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In 2003, the communities within Big Bear Valley were forced to evacuate due to the dangerous threat of the “Old Fire”. The complex fires of ’03 (Old Fire, Cedar Fire, Grand Prix Fire and Padua Fire) are now the most costly natural disaster recorded in California history. In the summers of 2006 and 2007 the list of fires grew to include the Heart-Mallard Fire, Sawtooth Fire, Butler I Fire, Butler II Fire, Slide Fire, and the Grass Valley Fire. The unprecedented number of large, destructive fires has continued to grow.

Fortunately, it has been well over 100 years since Big Bear Valley has been influenced by the devastation that a large fire could bring. We are constantly reminded that our forest, homes, and businesses could all be gone in an instant.

The leaders of the Big Bear Valley communities are diligently working together to reduce wildfire potential. They have designed an action plan to help protect our communities. However, only with the help of our property owners and homeowners will this plan succeed.

Reducing wildfires has touched all levels of government, from local citizens’ groups, cities, counties, state and federal agencies, Congress, and even the President.

To contact the Chipping Program:
PO Box 2830, Big Bear Lake, CA  92315

Click here to request the service online

 

 

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Curbside Chipping Program Suspended

Big Bear Fire Suspends Popular Chipping Program for 2020 Season

 

BIG BEAR, CA/April 15, 2020–Big Bear Fire Department announces that it will suspend its popular chipping program for the 2020 season. This grant-funded program has been highly successful helping residents create defensible space around their structures. The Fire Department actively researches and applies for hazardous fuel reduction grants to keep the chipping program and the hazardous tree remove program going. The Department recently received denial letters for the three grants applied for that would have paid for hazardous fuel reduction programs for the 2020 season.

 

Fire Chief Jeff Willis stated, “The loss of approximately $345,000 in grant funding is difficult and will be hard for this community. This program has proven very successful in helping property owners remove hazardous fuels. Creating defensible space is still extremely important to protect a home from wildfire; and I ask all property owners to continue to be diligent creating and maintaining a firewise property through the summer months.” The loss of grant funding comes at a time when the Department has cut administrative personnel to reduce expenses. “Administrative staffing cuts also reduces the Department’s ability to manage hazardous fuel abatement programs.” Chief Willis added.

The Department has one grant remaining that is available for hazardous tree removal on a property owner cost-share basis. For information on the hazardous tree removal program or for guidelines to create defensible space around your property, please contact the Big Bear Fire Department at www.BigBearFire.org or (909) 866-7566.

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Wildfire Protection Plan

The Big Bear Valley Community Wildfire Protection Plan (BBVCWPP) discusses both public and private concerns. Successful wildfire protection planning involves a review of all protection measures that contribute to a collective “systems approach” process. Eliminating the risk or threat is not always possible when living in a forest.

CWPP June 2006 | 9Mb PDF
CWPP Addendum 2010 | 2.3Mb PDF
CWPP Addendum II July 2018 | 7.2Mb PDF