BIG BEAR FIRE Agencies
Closer to Full Consolidation
(Left) Battalion Chief Brian Parham showing his new gold badge. (Center) Paid-Call Fire-fighters recognized were Chris Bustos, Cody Cronk, Jacob Stangle, and William Walthers. (Right) Three of the seven Fire-fighters recognized for their Most Fit Fire Department were Ricky Seward , Jim McDaniel, and Joey Webb.
April 28, 2014 ____ The Big Bear Fire Authority met on April 22, 2014. The Board is comprised of the Big Bear Lake Fire District Board and the Big Bear Community Services District Board. As a high point to start the meeting, Fire Chief Jeff Willis introduced, provided the Oath of Office, and pinned badges on four new Paid-Call Fire-fighters. Additionally, Chief Willis introduced Brian Parham who was promoted from Fire Captain to Battalion Chief.
Also under presentations, the Big Bear Fire Authority was recognized as the Most Fit Fire Department for the second year in a row, evaluated by Fitness Appraisal, Inc. Seven Fire-fighters were recognized for obtaining the individual Highest Annual Physical Fitness Scores.
Fire Chief Willis provided a presentation on Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Erwin Lake, and Lake Williams for being awarded the distinction of 2013 USA Firewise Community. Staff and citizens worked diligently to make the Big Bear Valley a safer and fire-aware community. This program is a voluntary initiative to protect local residents, their property, and natural resources from wildfires. “Because wildfires are burning hotter and faster than ever before, it is more important than ever to take safety steps now,” said Chief Willis. “Wildfires will happen, and we want to be as ready as possible to prevent damage to our community’s buildings, resources, and of course our residents.”
Additionally, Chief Willis announced that the Curbside Chipping Program for 2014/15 has been awarded. Funding for the two year period is insufficient to provide the same level of curbside chipping service that has been offered in the past. Staff is working to develop a plan to utilize the limited funds to focus on those areas that need it the most.
Below is a review of the New Business Discussed at the April 22, 2014 meeting:
• The first reading of the Adoption of the 2013 edition of the California Fire and Residential Code with Amendments was presented by Battalion Chief Mike Maltby. A second reading will occur at the June Big Bear Fire Authority meeting.
• Staff was authorized to contract with the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department for the administration of the Fire Hazard Abatement Program. Chief Willis provided a review and summary of cost to perform this service in-house. The Board voted to continue to contract with the County for the upcoming year.
• The financials and budget for the Big Bear Fire Authority 2014/15 was approved. Both the Big Bear City Community Services District Board and the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection Board also need to approve this information separately.
• Staff was directed to proceed with the development of a Cost Recovery Fee Ordinance and associated fee schedule. This will be presented at the next Big Bear Fire Authority As evidenced by this meeting, the two Boards continue to work very well together to achieve a fully consolidated fire agency.
In the near future, Chief Willis would like to increase the Board meetings to occur on a monthly basis in order to conduct the business at hand in a timely and pertinent fashion. The next Big Bear Fire Authority meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2014, 6:30pm at Hoefert Hall at the City of Big Bear Lake. The public is encouraged to attend to witness the progress and positive growth being achieved by everyone involved.