Earthquake Rattles Big Bear Lake

BIG BEAR, CA — A magnitude 3.3 earthquake shook the Big Bear Lake area Friday morning, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage.

The temblor struck at 7:24 a.m. 11 miles southeast of Big Bear Lake and was felt as far southwest as Oceanside, according to the U.S. Geological Society.

The quake follows an earthquake swarm that rattled the Salton Sea area last month.

The swarm, which was centered at the southern end of the San Andreas Fault near the Salton Sea, was a stark reminder that California residents and businesses are at risk, officials warned.

"Earthquakes can happen at any time," said Bruce Barton, director of the Riverside County Emergency Management Department. "It is important to remember that Southern California is earthquake country ... . The time to prepare for earthquakes is now."

The earthquake swarm began at 6:33 a.m. Aug. 10 and dozens of temblors were reported over the ensuing days. Most were centered near Bombay Beach, along the Salton Sea's eastern edge. The largest quake struck at 8:56 a.m. Aug. 10 and measured a magnitude 4.6, according to the U.S. Geological Society. Many of the quakes registered well above 3.0.