Industry News
Wildfires continue to torch the west coast of the United States. Thousands of acres of forests, dozens of homes, and now a ski resort have been caught in the wake of the recent wildfires.
The Bridge Fire started Sunday, September 8, near Glendora, California. The fire has grown to nearly 52,000 acres and ripped through Mountain High Ski Area on Wednesday. However, Mountain High was not going down without a fight, ski area employees turned on the snow-making machines to combat the flames. Fortunately, the ski area reported minimal damages, which is believed to be accredited to the swift decision to operate the snow guns and the support of the local firefighters. The ski area announced all three of the main facilities and lifts survived the fire and that they plan to open on schedule.
Despite Mountain High’s success in defending itself from the fire, the Bridge Fire is 3% contained as of Friday evening. The fire is creeping toward Mt. Baldy Resort and local homes as the largest wildfire in the state continues to grow.
Just 50 miles southeast of the Bridge Fire is another roaring fire of nearly 38,000 acres in size, the Line Fire is approaching Snow Valley Ski Area, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain. The Line Fire was first spotted on September 5, and is currently 25% contained as of Friday evening. Actions are being taken to prevent the fire from reaching the ski areas and the thousands of structures and homes in the area. According to the state of California, the fire is being fought by:
- Four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for water bucket-dropping operations
- Two C-130 aircraft with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS)
- Four 20-person hand crews (80 soldiers). They will be assigned to the Line Fire on Thursday in support of CAL FIRE.
- One military police company to support the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department with traffic control points in evacuated areas.
Further north in Nevada, The Davis Fire just outside of Lake Tahoe is threatening Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and Sky Tavern Ski Area. The fire started September 7, but did not grow to the size of the Bridge Fire or Line Fire, and is 76% contained and under 6,000 acres as of Friday night. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe announced on its website that the fire did not cross the ski area boundary.
“We are thankful that Mt. Rose remains unharmed by the Davis Fire, as the fire did not cross into the ski area boundary. We are incredibly and forever grateful to the fire crews and emergency personnel who worked hard to contain the fire.”
“Our hearts are with our neighbors downslope who have been evacuated from their homes and not yet able to return.”
Wildfires in California have scorched nearly 1 million acres in 2024. These fires could not have been contained as quickly as they have without efforts by first responders. These alarming fires are reminders to be conscious of fire safety and how to reduce the risk of starting a fire. The U.S. Department of the Interior listed these 10 steps to prevent wildfires:
- Check weather and drought conditions.
- Build your campfire in an open location and far from flammables.
- Douse your campfire until it’s cold.
- Keep vehicles off dry grass.
- Regularly maintain your equipment and vehicle.
- Practice vehicle safety.
- Check your tires, bearings, and axles on your trailer.
- Keep sparks away from dry vegetation.
- Check conditions and regulations before you use fireworks or consider safe alternatives.
- Cautiously burn debris and never when it’s windy or restricted.
