BEM History

The Big Elk fire raged for nearly 6 days burning 4,413 acres, threatening 650 structures (destroying only 1 unoccupied historic cabin) and resulting in the death of three courageous fire fighters, all of whom were pilots. Pilot Rick Schwartz, Pilot Milt Stollak and Pilot Gordon Knight all died in the fire fight.

Big Elk Meadows,was devastated by a flood event that began on September 11, 2013. The community suffered a catastrophic loss of all major infrastructure and damage to a number of homes.