i wonder if they could divert big bear lake somehow and swamp the fire as it approaches. that probably wouldn't work if the fire 'tree hops' though.
If they diverted the lake, it would probably pour over burned out areas and create mudslides though.
Not likely...
"The Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power is asking for the public's help in assuring adequate water supplies for the holiday weekend.
The DWP is asking that customers not water outside during the holiday weekend, especially Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31. Despite the recent rains, the ground water levels are seriously low due to the ongoing drought. "The recent precipitation helps, but it won't have any effect on the current levels for some time," DWP General Manager Dottie Saville said.
Saville also reminded customers to turn off their sprinklers during the rain storms as a conservation measure.
Two wells were recently taken off line due to low water levels, Saville said. "Although people are conserving and reducing their water usage, the ground water levels continue to decline. We need a good heavy winter to not have very strict restrictions next year," she said. - Judi Bowers"
http://www.bigbeargrizzly.net/articles/2003/08/29/news/water.txt