The Morongo Valley Fire Department issued an evacuation warning about noon Thursday. The Apple fire is still about 8 to 10 miles from Morongo Valley. This evacuation warning is similar to what was issued earlier this week for residents of Pioneertown and Rimrock. Residents who are elderly or invalid or who have large animals or livestock, are encouraged to evacuate, but evacuation is not mandatory at this time. Residents who live in Morongo Valley, Pioneertown, or Rimrock are urged to formalize a plan of what they will take with them if they must evacuate and where they will go. It’s also recommended that residents prep their homes and properties in case a fire comes through.
From the Morongo Valley Fire Department:
All persons with medical conditions and livestock should leave now.
Evacuation is the best option for persons to protect themselves.
Evacuees should bring:
• Wallet / Purse (including personal identification),
• House and car keys,
• Eyeglasses,
• Medications,
• Proper Clothing,
• Family pet(s), and
• Cash.
These supplies may need to last for an indefinite period of time. It is suggested that persons bring three days’ worth of personal supplies to meet their individual needs.
Persons who need additional assistance with special needs should contact the American Red Cross Disaster Relief at (855) 891-7325.
Shut all windows and doors, and leave them unlocked. Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters. Remove lightweight curtains. Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors. Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights.
Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions. Shut off the air conditioning
- Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.) or place them in your pool.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
- Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around the house.
- Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.
- Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.
- Put your Emergency Supply Kit in your vehicle.
- Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.
- Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.
- Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
- Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.
- Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave.
Animals
- Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
- Prepare farm animals for transport and think about moving them to a safe location early.
