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San Bernardino agencies continue to dig residents out, plow roads after storm

The San Bernardino mountains bustled with activity Tuesday as local agencies converged on areas hit hardest by the record-breaking blizzard.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said that it conducted wellness checks, delivered medications, and dug out gas meters for residents on Monday. The agency reportedly responded to over 100 calls for service and transported more than 20 people off of the mountain.

Today our S&R teams conducted residence checks & dug out gas meters. Deputies delivered food to residents/ distribution points, answered over 150 calls for service, & transport 28 people to shelters or off mountain. We will continue to assist with access for residents/deliveries. pic.twitter.com/8qe2VBrJdI

— San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) March 7, 2023

San Bernardino County Fire Department Operation Chief Jim Topoleski said in a video briefing Monday that more than 700 firefighters had been deployed to the mountains, and that multiple donation distribution points had been set up throughout the region. Some 120 firefighters will be in the Valley of Enchantment community on Tuesday, according to the department’s social media.

Operations Chief Jim Topoleski provided an operational update this morning.
*(Video shot @10:30) pic.twitter.com/KoYd6ePwQL

— San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) March 7, 2023

RELATED COVERAGE: County communications cause frustration for San Bernardino mountains residents

Approximately 120 Firefighters will be in the Valley of Enchantment doing snow removal and assessing residents for medical and commodity needs. The Point of Distribution: Valley of Enchantment Elementary School Community Members will be on scene with meals and other necessities. pic.twitter.com/tejP34DiON

— San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) March 7, 2023

More roads also began to reopen on Tuesday, with Highway 18 from San Bernardino to Snow Valley, Highway 330 from Highland to Running Springs, State Highway 38 from Mentone to Big Bear, and the entirety of State Routes 189 and 173 opening to residential traffic only. Travelers must provide proof of residency, such as an ID with an address, utility bill, or car registration.

Even the Orange County Fire Authority offered its services to the region on March 7, sending two hand crews, a strike team, and aerial firefighters to help.

OCFA has proudly sent our 2 FF hand crews, a strike team of 5 patrols & some overhead FFs to help with the historic winter storm in the San Bernardino Mtns (64 FFs).OCFA FFs are checking on residents & digging paths to their doors. Not only is this lifesaving, but smile inducing pic.twitter.com/YydFee4chB

— OCFA PIO (@OCFireAuthority) March 7, 2023

San Bernardino County said on March 7 that more than 20 miles of roads had been plowed in the last 48 hours.

Several rescue agencies have also deployed to the community, including the statewide volunteer group CalDART and Team Rubicon, a nonprofit humanitarian organization.

RELATED COVERAGE: ‘Operation Mountain Strong’: Patchwork of volunteers bring vital supplies to snowed-in residents

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