OAK GLEN – As the Apple Fire continued to burn for the fourth night into the early morning hours on Tuesday, August 04, 2020, the fire appeared to be slowly burning west, toward the town of Oak Glen. Flames could be seen along the mountain side near the Cal Fire Conservation Camp and Riley Farm. Riley Farm did not appear to be immediately threatened. Two deer were also spotted near the conservation camp, seeking refuge in an area that was spared by the massive fire.
According to the US Forest service, as of 9:25pm Monday night, The Apple Fire is continuing to spread to the north across the head of the Mill Creek Canyon, and east into the San Gorgonio Wilderness. As the fire burns into the wilderness the vegetation is becoming sparse limiting fire intensity. The most significant fire behavior today was in the area of Millard Canyon on the east side of the perimeter. Fire activity is being driven primarily by record low moisture content of the vegetation combined with high temperatures and low relative humidity.
On Monday efforts to combat the Apple fire were multi-focused. Firefighters began to assess and prepare for the potential of structure threat in Forest Falls, Oak Glen and the nearby areas. Fire crews are constructing fireline by hand and with dozers along the west perimeter and across the ridge between Oak Glen and Forest Falls. Crews engaged the most active area of the fire on the east perimeter. On the south perimeter established firelines are being improved. Pockets of heat in vegetation near the line are being located and extinguished to further reduce the potential of the fire escaping the line.
Damage assessment teams are deployed and will be surveying the fire area for damage to structures and infrastructure.
Evacuations / Closures: For Riverside County Residents: please visit https://www.rivcoready.org/ActiveEvents for an interactive map that will allow you to enter your address to see if you are in an evacuation area.
For San Bernardino County Residents: The community of Oak Glen is under an evacuation order. Forest Falls, Pioneertown, and Rim Rock are all under an evacuation warning.
The San Gorgonio Wilderness has been closed to all use. An Emergency Forest Closure Order is in effect as of August 2, 2020. The order prohibits all entry into the San Gorgonio Wilderness and some adjacent areas. This order also includes the Pacific Crest Hiking Trail between the Forest Boundary and Forest Road 1N01. Additionally, all Forest Service recreation areas in the Forest Falls area are closed.
Evacuation Center: An evacuation center has been opened at Beaumont High School, 39139 Cherry Valley Boulevard, Beaumont, CA. Evacuated animals are also being accepted at the high school. Animal Control is on scene.
Road Closures: There are numerous road closures in the area at the following intersections: High & Cherry, High & Jonathan, High & Winsap, Orchard & Avenida San Timateo, Orchard & Avenida Miravilla, Orchard & Oak Glen, Cherry Valley Blvd. & Bellflower Ave., Sunset & Wilson, and Bluff & Mias Canyon.LLN IG – https://www.instagram.com/loudlabs_news/?hl=en
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