Colorado Firefighters Head To California To Battle Apple Fire

Colorado firefighters are on their way to help fire crews in California battle the massive Apple Fire, which is burning east of Los Angeles. As of Monday afternoon, the fire had grown to more than 20,500 acres, and was around 5 percent contained.

More than 7,000 people have been forced to evacuate from an area that stretches from Cherry Valley into the San Bernardino National Forest. At least one home has been destroyed and dozens more are under threat.

A West Metro Fire crew will join more than 2,200 firefighters and other personnel who have been deployed to help battle the fire. Helicopters, fixed wing air tankers and 260 engines are being used in the fight, however officials say firefighting vehicles can't access the northern and eastern edge of the fire due to steep, rugged hillsides.

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The American Red Cross has been putting up evacuees in hotels.

The smoke column from the fire has been visible throughout much of Southern California. Smoke advisories have been issued in several regions.

Patch editor Nick Garber contributed to this report.