Article: Big Bear Lake buzzing with activity despite fire

BIG BEAR LAKE - Fire raged just beyond a ridge on the other side of Big Bear Lake on Sunday.

An orange column of smoke bore down ominously on this rugged town where fire has become an almost seasonal phenomenon, like snowdrifts or dry heat.

But business - and life - didn't halt. It just kept a watchful eye.

"One thing I thought was amazing is - how a major fire is being fought today and everybody's out boating," said Rich Ritenour, owner of the Cozy Hollow Lodge in Big Bear Lake.

While the Butler II fire continued to scorch more than 15,000 acres and force evacuations, the residents, business owners and tourists mostly kept their wary pace.

On Sunday, as activity slowed like normal, ...

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