The Apple fire was set at 28,085 acres as of Thursday morning; it is currently 30 percent contained. The fire was ignited by hot debris from a vehicle’s faulty exhaust in Cherry Valley July 31, and has destroyed 12 structures, four of them homes. The fire is about 12 miles due west of Morongo Valley and about 15 miles southwest of Pioneertown.
Authorities said firefighters remain focused on the southeast flank above the Morongo Reservation in Millard Canyon and on the northwest flank in the Oak Glen-Yucaipa Ridge area. The Apple fire was most active in Millard Canyon, burning in dense fuels and producing heavy smoke. Despite the winds yesterday, firefighters kept the fire on the west slope of Millard Canyon with a combination of line-building and retardant drops. Crews continued to build line northwest of Oak Glen.
Evacuation orders for Riverside County have been lifted.
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.
The Morongo Valley Fire Department said models do not indicate the fire will reach Morongo Valley. Morongo Valley is currently NOT under an evacuation warning or orders, although residents are urged to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid the smoke.
While firefighting is already challenging, Wildland fire professionals are now having to adapt to COVID-19. Fire camps are more spread out, masks are now part of standard PPE and personnel are screened on a regular basis.
