RS Vacations – Big Bear Lake, CA

History of Big Bear Lake Fire Department

In the early days of Big Bear, there was no organized fire department to combat fires or provide emergency medical services.

In 1923, the Big Bear Valley Women’s Club raised $500 for two manually drawn 40 gallon badger type chemical fire carts. After their use, it was the responsibility of the person having the fire to pay for re-servicing the carts. These carts augmented local civilian bucket brigades.

Big Bear Lake Fire Dept. with Chief Larry Boyle-1935

In 1927, the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District was formed and operated under a Board of Directors appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

In 1957, the citizens of Big Bear voted to reorganize the district to become a self-governed district with a locally elected Board of Directors.

In 1980, when the City of Big Bear Lake was incorporated, the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District became a subsidiary District of the City and the City Council serves as the Fire District Board of Directors.

The first fire station was located in an automotive bay at the Elmer Deems Garage located on Pineknot Ave. This building today is Joe’s Barber Shop, Wings Jewelers and other shops.

Pine Knot Ave. & Big Bear Blvd. (Now Post Office)

The fire station later relocated to an old boat building at the corner of Pine Knot Ave. and Big Bear Blvd on the site which now consists of the Big Bear Lake Post Office and Rotary Park.

In 1949, a new fire station was built at Knickerbocker Rd. and Big Bear Blvd.

Knickerbocker Fire Station (photo 1960’s)

In 2000, our current Station headquarters was built at 41090 Big Bear Blvd, near Knight Ave.

Current Big Bear Lake Fire Dept.