Fire History
San Bernardino County is California's largest county by area and includes some of the state's most fire-prone mountain communities. The 2003 Old Fire (91,281 acres) and simultaneous Grand Prix Fire devastated communities in the San Bernardino Mountains. The 2007 Slide Fire, 2016 Blue Cut Fire (36,000 acres, evacuating 82,000 people), and 2020 El Dorado Fire further demonstrated persistent risk. Mountain communities including Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, and Crestline face sustained high-risk conditions.
Local Compliance Notes
CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit serves the extensive SRA in mountain and foothill areas. Mountain communities face significant Zone Zero obligations given Very High FHSZ designations throughout. The Blue Cut Fire corridor along I-15 remains particularly high-risk. Desert communities generally have limited FHSZ exposure. Contact CAL FIRE or your local fire department for jurisdiction-specific Phase 2 timelines.
Neighborhoods in Zone Zero
High-FHSZ communities include Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, Crestline, Wrightwood, Oak Glen, Yucaipa foothills, Rancho Cucamonga foothills, Fontana foothills, Upland foothills, and communities along the I-15 corridor through Cajon Pass.
Local FAQs
Do mountain communities like Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead need to comply with Zone Zero? Yes — these communities are in Very High FHSZ areas and will face full Zone Zero requirements. Given the density of older wood structures and combustible fencing in mountain resort communities, compliance will require significant planning. Start assessments early.