Every 20 Years: Wildland Fires in San Bernardino County

Approximately every 20 years, a large campaign fire takes place in the San Bernardino County mountains.

This short documentary examines the recurring pattern of wildfires in the San Bernardino Mountains. Through historical context and personal narratives, this film sheds light on the challenges faced by firefighters, residents, and first responders as they contend with these large fires.

The film explores the events surrounding the 2003 Grand Prix Fire and its merger with the Old Fire, resulting in widespread destruction, as well as the 1980 Panorama Fire. It underscores the importance of preparedness and defensible space in mitigating wildfire risks for residents in this disaster-prone region.

This documentary provides a look at the cyclical nature of wildfires in San Bernardino County, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and community resilience in the face of this natural phenomenon.

Create a Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Safety Plan: http://sbcfire.co/wildfire

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Credits

News Footage/Photos
CBS 2
NBC 4
ABC 7
KCAL 9
FOX 11
CNN
San Bernardino County Sun
Press Enterprise


Agencies
US Forest Service
San Bernardino County Sheriff
CalFire
CalTrans


YouTube Footage

Panorama Fire 1980
   • Panorama Fire 1980  

2003 Scenes from the Fire Storm
   • 2003 Scenes from the Fire Storm  

The Old Fire 2003... Neighborhoods Ablaze
   • The Old Fire 2003... Neighborhoods Ablaze  

Old Fire Oct/Nov. 2003 San Bernardino Mountains in S. California
   • Old Fire Oct/Nov. 2003 San Bernardino Moun...  

Grand Prix Fire Video
   • Grand Prix Fire Video  

Southern California Firestorms, October 24-27, 2003 (Volume 1 of 3)
   • Southern California Firestorms, October 24...  

Countdown to calamity
   • Countdown to calamity  



Websites
History of Wildfires:
https://projects.capradio.org/califor...

FEMA National Risk Index
https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/map

Google Earth
https://www.google.com/earth/studio/


Footage
Troy Case
Captain Wilkins
Alan Simmons Productions

Editors
Kyle White
Ryan White

Special Thanks
Anthony Muscarello
Jim Topoleski
Gary Bush
Steve Tracey
Jason Serrano