Lake Arrowhead Village didn’t burn down in a traditional sense. Instead, it underwent a planned “Burn to Learn” exercise in April 1979. This controlled burn was conducted by fire departments to clear old structures and train firefighters. The event marked the beginning of a major redevelopment project for the village, which was completed in 1981. This article explores the details of this unique event in Lake Arrowhead’s history.
What Was the Purpose of the “Burn to Learn” Exercise?
The “Burn to Learn” exercise served multiple purposes:
- Clear dilapidated structures
- Train firefighters
- Prepare for village redevelopment
By the late 1970s, the original Lake Arrowhead Village had fallen into disrepair and faced potential condemnation. Rather than simply demolishing the old structures, local authorities decided to use the opportunity for firefighter training while clearing the area for redevelopment.
When Exactly Did the “Burn to Learn” Exercise Take Place?
The “Burn to Learn” exercise occurred in April 1979. Here’s a timeline of key events:
- Late 1970s: Village structures become dilapidated
- April 1979: “Burn to Learn” exercise begins
- Throughout April: Multiple controlled burns conducted
- May 1979: Area cleared for redevelopment
During this month-long exercise, most structures in the village were burned multiple times, providing valuable training opportunities for firefighters.
Which Buildings Were Spared from the “Burn to Learn” Exercise?
While most of the village was burned, a few key structures were preserved:
- Original dance pavilion
- Post office
- Bank
- Real estate office
These buildings were deemed historically significant or still functional, and thus were spared from the controlled burns.
Who Was Involved in the “Burn to Learn” Exercise?
Several organizations participated in this unique event:
- Lake Arrowhead Fire Protection District
- San Bernardino County Fire Department
- SWAT teams (for additional training exercises)
- Investors led by developers George Coult and Jerry Jackson
This collaborative effort ensured that the exercise served multiple purposes beyond just clearing the old village.
How Long Did the Redevelopment of Lake Arrowhead Village Take?
The redevelopment process followed this timeline:
- April 1979: “Burn to Learn” exercise clears the area
- May 1979: Redevelopment planning begins
- 1979-1981: Construction of new village
- Memorial Weekend 1981: Grand Opening of new Lake Arrowhead Village
The entire process, from the initial controlled burns to the opening of the new village, took approximately two years.
What Features Were Included in the Redeveloped Lake Arrowhead Village?
The new Lake Arrowhead Village was designed to be a significant improvement over its predecessor. Some key features included:
- Larger overall footprint
- Modern amenities and facilities
- Restored dance pavilion (now known as the Pavilion building)
- Architecture similar to the original village, maintaining historical charm
This redevelopment aimed to create a more attractive and functional space for both residents and tourists.
How Did the “Burn to Learn” Exercise Impact the Local Community?
The “Burn to Learn” exercise had several impacts on the Lake Arrowhead community:
- Improved firefighter training and preparedness
- Cleared space for a modern, updated village center
- Preserved key historical structures while removing hazardous ones
- Created opportunities for economic growth through improved tourism facilities
While the loss of the original village structures was significant, the long-term benefits of the redevelopment were substantial for the community.
What Lessons Can Be Learned from the Lake Arrowhead Village “Burn to Learn” Exercise?
This unique event offers several lessons:
- Creative problem-solving: Using a demolition necessity as a training opportunity
- Balancing preservation and progress: Keeping key historical structures while updating others
- Community collaboration: Involving multiple agencies and stakeholders in the process
- Long-term planning: Using the opportunity to create a more sustainable and attractive village center
These lessons could be applied to other communities facing similar redevelopment challenges.
How Does the Current Lake Arrowhead Village Compare to Its Pre-1979 Predecessor?
The current Lake Arrowhead Village, while built in a similar architectural style, offers several improvements over its predecessor:
| Feature | Pre-1979 Village | Current Village |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller footprint | Larger, more spacious layout |
| Amenities | Basic, outdated | Modern, diverse offerings |
| Structural Integrity | Dilapidated, hazardous | Well-maintained, safe |
| Historical Elements | Original structures | Preserved key buildings, replicated style |
| Tourism Appeal | Declining | Significantly enhanced |
This comparison demonstrates the substantial improvements made through the redevelopment process.
In conclusion, while Lake Arrowhead Village didn’t “burn down” in the traditional sense, the “Burn to Learn” exercise of April 1979 marked a significant turning point in its history. This unique event paved the way for the modern, attractive village center that exists today, balancing progress with historical preservation.
References:
1. History of Lake Arrowhead Village
2. Lake Arrowhead Village History