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Big Bear Fire Department
RADFORD FIRE RECAP FROM FIRE CHIEF JEFF WILLIS, BIG BEAR FIRE DEPARTMENT (9/11/22 @ 1:30 pm):
As the Big Bear community is well aware, the Radford Fire began on the afternoon of September 5 in the Barton Flats area South of Big Bear Valley. The valiant efforts of firefighters during the first 36 hours of the initial attack were unrelenting and sustained. Those early efforts made a big difference in the status of the incident today.
The initial attack was followed by a significant surge in resources in the form of firefighting personnel and various types of apparatus. Thanks to California’s Fire Mutual Aid System, the Mutual Aid System of the State of California, and the timely arrival of Mother Nature, the Big Bear community is currently in a favorable position as we look to close the door on the Radford Fire.
Crews continue to work diligently to achieve full containment. With nearly 550 personnel assigned today, ongoing mop up efforts to ensure the security of control lines are underway, with efforts expected to continue through Thursday, September 15. As containment on the fire increases, the community may notice a reduction in suppression personnel in the area. It is anticipated that tomorrow’s crews will start to decrease, with further reduction in forces over the next several days as the need declines.
We are so appreciative and grateful for the various offers, donations, and contributions that have been received. The overwhelming support of our community members, businesses, commercial lodging facilities, and short-term rental agencies and owners has greatly contributed to the overall successful outcome of this incident, keeping the morale of firefighters high as they exerted their full efforts in bringing the fire under control. The Incident Command Team of the Radford Fire extends a special note of thanks to Visit Big Bear. While rain showers were a welcome contribution to suppression efforts, inclement weather presented challenges for firefighters in camp and on the fire lines. With one phone call, Visit Big Bear quickly secured lodging for well over 700 personnel to be able to get some much needed rest before returning to the attack on the fire lines.
On behalf of Big Bear Fire Department, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude not only to the assisting agencies involved under unified command, but to the residents and business owners of the Big Bear community. The outpouring of public support during this incident is a powerful testament to the strength of our community to persevere through difficult and uncertain times to better days ahead.