More than 2,000 CAL FIRE Local 2881 members and strike teams from locals throughout the region are responding to the Apple fire in San Bernardino County, California. The fire has grown to 27,000 acres and is threatening residential areas. At least 2,500 homes have already been evacuated, including 10 belonging to IAFF members. More evacuations are expected if the fire continues to spread.
“10th District leaders are contacting members in the immediate and potential threat areas to make sure any critical needs are being met,” says 10th District Vice President Frank Lima. “We are also reminding them that the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund is there if they need it.”
The fund provides immediate financial relief and other assistance to members displaced from their homes by disasters.
Officials investigating the fire believe it ignited on July 31 when a car shot diesel particles from its exhaust pipe. Fire fighters hope the increase in humidity and slight reduction in temperatures will help with containment efforts.