CAL FIRE San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit

10/30/2026

Congratulations to Firefighters Marcella Escuita and Isaac Zepeda from the CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit on graduating today from the first CAL FIRE Emergency Medical Technician program! 🚑🎓

Isaac earned special recognition for achieving the third-highest academic score in the class. Marcella, a graduate of the California Conservation Corps’ Pomona fire crew, continues to build on the foundation she developed as a Corpsmember.

We’re proud of their hard work and dedication to expanding their skills to better serve our communities!

10/29/2026

Familiar faces, new roles—and a few new faces joining the team! 🚒 Join CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit in recognizing:

• John Toon — Unit Chief
• Tony Jones — Deputy Chief, Operations
• Sean Landavazo — Deputy Chief, Administration
• Garett Armsby — Deputy Chief, Community Risk Reduction
• Arnold Ramirez — Assistant Chief, Eastern Sierra Division
• Jason Allen — Battalion Chief, Battalion 5
• Morgan Dieffenbach — Battalion Chief, Battalion 3B
• Skip Miller — Battalion Chief, Battalion 1

Congratulations and welcome! Thank you for your dedication to our personnel and the communities we serve.

10/29/2026

Congratulations to our California Conservation Corps (CCC) partners on 50 years of empowering young adults through hard work and education!

The CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit’s Pomona CCC fire crew prepares Corpsmembers for careers in the fire service through hands-on training and response to fires and other emergencies as a CAL FIRE hand crew.

Leading the program is CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Ricardo Ginese, who began his career as a Corpsmember at the CCC La Cima Fire Center in San Diego County—then one of just two CAL FIRE/CCC fire centers in California.

Now, with 32 years in the fire service, Chief Ginese helps the next generation follow a path he knows firsthand. His journey shows how opportunities in the CCC can grow into a lifelong career of service.

10/27/2026

Today, on the 20th anniversary of the Esperanza Fire, CAL FIRE San Bernardino–Inyo–Mono Unit honors the five U.S. Forest Service firefighters of Engine 57 who lost their lives: Mark Loutzenhiser, Jess McLean, Jason McKay, Daniel Hoover-Najera and Pablo Cerda.

We remember their courage, service and sacrifice, and stand with their families, loved ones and fire family.

Forever remembered. Never forgotten.

10/23/2026

🚒 STRUCTURE FIRE | HIGHLAND

Incident Name: Valaria Fire
Date: October 22, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: 7300 Block of Valaria Drive, Highland, CA

CAL FIRE/City of Highland firefighters responded to a residential structure fire in the City of Highland this afternoon.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a single-story, single-family residence with a garage heavily involved in fire. Crews quickly initiated fire suppression efforts, successfully containing the fire to the garage and preventing further spread.

The residence was subsequently red-tagged due to fire damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents with immediate needs following the incident.

Partnering Agencies:
CAL FIRE San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit
San Bernardino County Fire
Highland Police Department
San Manuel Fire Department

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

10/22/2026

🚧 STORM PREPARATIONS CONTINUE IN OAK GLEN 🌧️

Preparation today helps protect our communities tomorrow.

San Bernardino County Public Works crews continue operating heavy equipment throughout the Oak Glen area, removing accumulated mud, sediment, and debris from drainage basins and creek channels ahead of potential storms.

These proactive efforts help improve drainage, maintain water flow, and reduce the potential for flooding and debris buildup during periods of heavy rainfall.

⚠️ REMEMBER: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!

Even a small amount of moving water can create dangerous conditions. As storms approach, CAL FIRE reminds residents and motorists to:

🚗 Never drive through flooded roadways. Water may be deeper than it appears, and the roadway underneath could be damaged or washed away.

🚧 Obey road closures and barricades. Never attempt to drive around them.

🏡 Stay alert in flood-prone and burn scar areas. Heavy rainfall can trigger rapid runoff, mudflows, and debris flows with little warning.

📱 STAY INFORMED — SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS!

San Bernardino County’s Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) provides critical emergency notifications, including evacuation warnings and orders, to affected communities.

Residents are encouraged to register their mobile phones to receive emergency notifications.

🔗 Sign up for emergency alerts: https://prepare.sbcounty.gov/

📲 Download the Ready SB County app for emergency alerts, evacuation information, and preparedness resources.

Public Works crews are doing their part to prepare our communities. We encourage residents to do theirs by staying informed, remaining vigilant, and preparing before storms arrive.

10/21/2026

🌿 Reducing fuels. Strengthening community preparedness.

CAL FIRE San Bernardino–Inyo–Mono Unit partnered with San Bernardino County Fire and Rancho Cucamonga Fire on the Haven North Fuels Reduction Project, located above the North Haven subdivision in Rancho Cucamonga.

Crews used hand tools and mechanical equipment to treat approximately four acres of heavy vegetation. This work reduces the amount of vegetation available to burn, helping limit wildfire intensity and creating safer conditions for firefighters working to protect nearby homes.

With winter storm preparedness also on our minds, this project is a reminder to prepare for hazards throughout the year. Take time to maintain defensible space, clear leaves and debris from gutters and drains, and stay informed about changing weather conditions.

Community protection takes teamwork—and preparation starts before the next wildfire or storm.

🏡 Find ways to prepare your home at ReadyForWildfire.org

10/21/2026

STRUCTURE FIRE | YUCAIPA, CA

October 21, 2026 |

At approximately 6:35 a.m., CAL FIRE/Yucaipa Fire Department firefighters, alongside Calimesa Fire Department personnel, responded to a residential structure fire in the 13000 block of Second Street in the City of Yucaipa.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered smoke coming from a single-family mobile home. During firefighting operations, crews located 10 unresponsive cats inside the residence.

Firefighters immediately initiated lifesaving measures, including rescue breathing, in an effort to revive the animals. Despite their efforts, nine cats perished. One cat was successfully resuscitated and transported to a veterinary hospital for further treatment.

No civilian or firefighter injuries have been reported.

While the loss of these animals is heartbreaking, this incident highlights the compassion and dedication of our firefighters, whose commitment to protecting lives extends to the animals that are part of our families.

10/15/2026

🚒🌬️ **INCREASED STAFFING AHEAD OF HIGH WINDS**

CAL FIRE San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit is increasing staffing and placing additional personnel and firefighting equipment into service ahead of the High Wind Warning and elevated wildfire danger.

These proactive steps strengthen our readiness to respond as strong winds and dry vegetation create conditions where a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire.

**Our crews are preparing. Are you?**

✅ Avoid outdoor activities that could produce sparks, including welding, grinding, and mowing dry vegetation.
✅ Keep your emergency go-bag ready, including medications, important documents, and supplies for pets.
✅ Know at least two evacuation routes and review your household’s evacuation plan.
✅ Sign up for local emergency alerts and follow instructions from public safety officials.
✅ Leave promptly when an evacuation order is issued. If you feel unsafe, leave early.

📲 Stay informed with official emergency information through AwareCA: aware.ca.gov

🏡 Get **Ready, Set, Go!** preparedness resources at [ReadyForWildfire.org]

**Take a few minutes today to prepare—and share this reminder with someone in your community.**

10/15/2026

🌿 SUMMIT VALLEY: FREE CURBSIDE CHIPPING IS COMING!

Preparing your property for wildfire? CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit’s Pilot Rock Fire Center is offering complimentary curbside chipping for eligible properties in Summit Valley, with registration coordinated through the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council.

Turn your brush-clearing efforts into action! Chipping helps residents manage cut branches and brush as part of reducing vegetation that can fuel a wildfire.

📅 Register by → Chipping begins
• October 29, 2026 → November 2, 2026
• December 3, 2026 → December 7, 2026
• December 31, 2026 → January 4, 2027

💻 Check eligibility, review preparation requirements, and request service:
https://www.freechipping.org/high-desert-area

Service is initially focused on Summit Valley. Living within ZIP code 92345 alone does not establish eligibility. Chipping begins on the dates listed; individual service dates may vary.

🏡 What’s your next yard-cleanup project? Tell us in the comments, and tag a Summit Valley neighbor who could use this free service!

​ CAL FIRE will be offering curbside chipping services starting October 2026 for Summit Valley. Other areas of the High Desert are pending. There will be three monthly cycles.  The deadlines to register are