Published by Raymond Ray
Article and photos by Malia Dietz
Illegal parking during the snow season continues to be a major issue in the San Bernardino Mountains. The last winter storm brought people up to the mountains by the thousands over the weekend. Even after the rain as warmer temperatures melted most of the snow away, both main and side streets were still packed from Running Springs to Big Bear and Angelus Oaks.
Emergency response crews were not able to respond to calls this last weekend due to dozens of cars illegally parked and blocking access to roads in the area. Medic Engine 282 at one point had been dispatched to a carbon dioxide alarm somewhere near the top of Mill Creek Road. After they cleared that call, the engine was attempting to respond to a fall victim in the snow play area. They were unable to leave the Mill Creek area due to illegally parked cars pinching off the road. Temporary no parking signs were also reportedly moved by snow players to allow for extra cars to park in no-parking areas.
That same emergency crew, Medic Engine 281 from Big Bear Lake, also attempted to respond additional calls for service in the area of Mill Creek and Tulip Lane as well as other areas. That engine and crew were stuck in the area for over a hour, unable to pass, waiting for law enforcement to come tow vehicles. The loudspeaker and sirens along with the fire engine horn fell upon deaf ears as people continued to snow play and ignore the emergency crews.
The original medical aid call in addition to at least 5 other calls held for what seemed like hours. Other stations in the area finally picked up some of the calls. Residents and emergency crews see this as a major problem.
The Sheriff’s Department responded along with a local tow company and started towing cars. This entire winter season, local law enforcement has been out day after day issuing parking tickets, but that only appears to be having a small effect on the illegal parking. Each weekend complaints arise in the community about snow players illegally parking, blocking roads and driveways and not even leaving enough room for a car to get through, let alone a fire engine.
Mountain roads are typically narrow as it is and this is creating a dire situation during peak snow playing times. Local law enforcement is asking the public to not park on city streets in any manner that may block access. Emergency crews having unrestricted access to access emergency scenes can be a critical factor in their ability to save the lives of others.
Please do not block the roads as it can have devastating effects on rescuers efforts as well as the lives of people they are trying to save. The San Bernardino Mountains are a tourist destination and the increase in people means and increase in calls. Every second counts when responding to incidents. Residents and visitors alike are urged to follow the laws of the road and to pay attention to no parking signs so our Fire Departments can respond to incidents unimpeded.
send a bulldozer or snowplow to clear the way. Plus a hefty fine for those not plowed out of the way.
This is a never ending problem; existed when I worked as a Deputy Sheriff in Big Bear in the ’60s. The only solution is to to start towing vehicles that are blocking roads. As soon as the first vehicle is hooked up the offenders will start moving theirs. This requires tow truck operators to have law enforcement back up and sufficient secure space to store towed vehicles.