Nonprofit Sends Four Tons Of Supplies To Apple Fire Victims

BANNING, CA – In response to the Apple Fire, which has burned more than 28,000 acres of land in the Cherry Valley, Americares has announced that it will be sending more than four tons of medicine relief supplies to affected families.

Nearly 8,000 people in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have been forced from their homes due to the fire, which is 30 percent contained as of Thursday morning.

Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization that helps those affected by poverty or disaster, is working with Unicare, a partner organization located near the area the Apple Fire burned, to deliver medicine, face masks, hygiene products and other critically needed items for families and health care workers who are caring for patients affected by the fire.

Americares has also offered assistance to partner health facilities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

“The Apple Fire has displaced thousands of people at a time when COVID-19 cases are rising throughout the state,” said Americares Vice President of Emergency Programs Kate Dischino in a prepared statement. “Our No.1 priority is meeting the most immediate needs of survivors and health care providers during this double crisis.”

Fire management

Control of the fire was transferred to the U.S. Forest Service on Wednesday, which has been providing periodic updates on progress.

Thursday morning, the Forest Service said there were 41 hand crews, 311 engines, 19 helicopters and 2,591 personnel assigned to the fire.

To date, four homes have been destroyed by the fire, officials said.

On Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service said crews will focus on firefighting efforts in the Oak Glen area and in Millard Canyon. In the Oak Glen area, officials said crews are making good progress building a containment line around the perimeter.

In Millard Canyon, officials said fire spotting is a main concern with winds expected to pick up throughout the day Thursday.

On the southern perimeter in the Cherry Valley and Banning Canyon areas, firefighters are mopping up and backhauling equipment and trash from the area, officials said.

A community meeting for Pioneertown is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Post Office. A meeting for the Morongo and Yucca Valley communities is scheduled for Friday evening.

COVID-19 precautions

Due to coronavirus precautions, officials said fire camps are more spread out, masks are now part of standard personal protective equipment and personnel are screened on a regular basis.

"While firefighting is challenging during this COVID-19 outbreak, wildland fire personnel are trained to work quickly to adapt to changing situations," U.S. Forest Officials said in an update posted to Facebook Wednesday evening. "Adjusting to COVID-19 conditions and taking precautions is part of this kind of work."

Evacuations

All Riverside County evacuation orders have been lifted. An evacuation warning is still in effect for the area east of Potrero Road, north of Morongo Road and west of Whitewater Canyon Road.

For San Bernardino County residents, the community of Oak Glen remains under an evacuation order. Forest Falls, Pioneertown and Rimrock are all under an evacuation warning.

All road closures in Riverside County have also been lifted. In San Bernardino County, Oak Glen Road at Wildwood Canyon, Oak Glen Road at El Dorado Park and Valley of Falls Drive at Highway 38 are closed.

Donations

Two Apple Fire camps, which are small cities that include sleeping areas, a business area and a large kitchen that provides all assigned personnel three meals per day, have been established. Area residents who wish to make food donations are encouraged to contribute to local food pantries.

Related:

• Federal Aid Secured As Apple Fire Stretches To 26,000 Acres
• Officials Warn Of Unhealthy Air Quality Due To Apple Fire
• Firefighters Rescue Dog Amid Apple Fire
• Apple Fire 30% Contained, Riverside County Evacuations Lifted