Officials respond to concerns over Big Bear 4th of July fireworks show

Fire officials in Big Bear responded Tuesday to some concerns from the public about the city’s planned 4th of July fireworks show, which takes place over Big Bear Lake.

Some residents have expressed concerns that the show could potentially ignite a wildfire in Big Bear Valley.

The Big Bear Fire Authority tried to ease those concerns, reminding the public that the fireworks are launched from a barge on the west end of the lake with a perimeter that is set and monitored by lake patrol.

“The barge used for the firework show is a minimum of 900 feet from land in all directions, which exceeds the NFPA guidelines by more than 100 feet,” a portion of the statement posted on the Big Bear Fire Department Facebook page reads.

Officials said that the cascading embers fall into the water within the lake patrol’s safety zone and that any potential change in the weather and wind conditions are evaluated prior to the show.

“We understand the public’s concern with the potential impact of the firework show in Big Bear and we hope that by providing this information, we can reduce the concern of any direct risk to wildlife and fire in the valley,” the post read.

One commenter was still not convinced the show was a good idea.

“I still say booo to fireworks. The noise is very detrimental to our local wildlife including our beloved eagles,” a portion of Debra Vitali’s comment reads.