SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA – Snow Cats Claw Their Way Through
#SBCoFD Mountain Division specialty resources came to the rescue on snow-related calls in the wake of Thursday’s storm.
On Thursday afternoon firefighters from Station 96 in Fawnskin employed their snow cat vehicle to evacuate dozens of stranded conference attendees from YMCA Camp Whittle.
This was after up to 300 camp attendees had fled the camp on foot, trudging through snow to a point where roads were clear enough for waiting buses to stage. The 96 crew then evacuated the balance of those left at the camp, which had run out of provisions as the conference concluded.
Elsewhere across the mountaintop, County Fire crews used a snow cat to navigate snowed-in access roads in Lake Arrowhead.
As a coda to the day’s responses, two of the buses leaving Camp Whittle became stranded in snowy and icy conditions on Hwy 18 near the Mitsubishi plant east of Lucerne Valley. County Fire units from the North Desert Division assisted Big Bear Fire Department and California Highway Patrol with getting the buses moving again safely.
There were no injuries reported.
County Fire has over the past several years benefitted from investment in new, upgraded snow cat type apparatus in mountain jurisdictions. The current fleet of these vehicles is housed in Wrightwood, Twin Peaks, Lake Arrowhead and Fawnskin stations. Meanwhile, fire engines in these areas boast 4×4 capabilities, and ambulances carry snow chains as well.
Assisting with motorists stranded or exposed in winter weather is a frequent task for #SBCoFD mountain crews. County Fire reminds drivers to use snow chains, and to have fresh water and supplies ready in case your vehicle becomes stranded.
Time/Location: Thurs., March 13, San Bernardino Mountains
Incident: Snow-related emergencies
Contact: Ryan Beckers, Public Information Officer
Rbeckers@sbcfire.org
