Big Bear Fire Department Highlights That The Public Will Be Notified By Siren In An Actual Emergency

Sirens will once again become a tool of Big Bear Fire Department to notify the public of emergency situations requiring action. This will be an additional way to notify the community in the event of an emergency.

The first test will begin on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 11:00 am with a 15 second siren blast. Tests will continue to run every month on the fourth Thursday at 11:00 am. During a true emergency, the full siren cycle will be run for three minutes.

Radio frequency changes

When the public hears the full siren cycle, they should tune in to local media or look to Big Bear Fire’s website for details regarding the emergency incident. The public should not call 9-1-1, the Sheriff’s Office or fire stations.

Four sirens purchased through grant money for Valley-wide emergency notifications have been out of commission for many years due to multiple radio frequency changes. The department is now able to get the equipment re-established on a new digital frequency.

Four sirens are located throughout the Big Bear Valley. Locations of the sirens are at the City of Big Bear Lake City Hall, Fire Station 282 in Big Bear City, the Moonridge Fire Station, and next to Baldwin Lane Elementary School. The sirens will not be heard in every area of the Valley. The Department will be assessing the system for future needs, with a commitment to fill the need as revenue allows.