High winds were expected to persist Thursday in the San Bernardino National Forest as crews worked to increase containment of the Apple Fire, which has blackened 28,085 acres and destroyed four homes since Friday.
Wind speeds were expected to clock between 10 and 20 miles per hour throughout the day in the fire area, while speeding up to between 25 and 40 miles per hour in the evening, according to the National Weather Service. Gusts are expected to subside substantially on Friday.
Fire officials estimate the blaze — which is 30% contained — could be fully contained as soon as Aug. 17, according to Kate Kramer of the U.S. Forest Service.
Officials estimated that 2,600 residences and 7,800 people have been evacuated since the blaze erupted in Cherry Valley about 5 p.m. Friday in the area of Apple Tree Lane and Oak Glen Road.
Investigators determined the fire, which was sparked by burning carbon from the exhaust system of a diesel-fueled vehicle, according to Cal Fire.
In addition to the four homes destroyed by the flames, eight outbuildings have been lost. One of the homes and two of the outbuildings were located near Avenida Miravilla, according to Cal Fire.
The head of the Apple Fire is on a mountainside in San Bernardino County, according to the USFS. A total of 21 water-dropping aircraft — 19 helicopters and two fixed-wing — worked to establish containment boundaries, as more than 2,500 personnel on the ground gradually attempted to encircle the brusher.
The fire was continuing to spread north and northeast, deeper into San Bernardino County, and the San Gorgonio wilderness. The wilderness remains closed to all use, including a stretch of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail that cuts through it, the USFS said.
One USFS firefighter suffered minor injuries, Kramer said.
All mandatory evacuations associated with the Apple Fire were lifted Tuesday in Riverside County, although residents were warned they could be asked to evacuate if they live east of Potrero Road, north of Morongo Road and west of Whitewater Canyon Road.
In San Bernardino County, mandatory evacuation orders remained in place east of Oak Glen Road.
Non-mandatory evacuation warnings in San Bernardino County also remained in effect in Forest Falls, Rimrock and Pioneertown, according to the USFS.
Fire personnel will host a community meeting at 6 Thursday evening at the Pioneertown Post Office, 53441 Mane St., where updated information will be provided and residents are invited to ask firefighters questions.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state will receive a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help ensure resources will be available to fight the fire. It will also allow local, state and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75% reimbursement of their eligible costs, Newsom said.
The smoke column from the fire was visible throughout much of Southern California.
Along with county fire crews, personnel from the Calimesa, Morongo, Murrieta, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Huntington Beach, Hemet, Pechanga, San Bernardino, Soboba, Los Angeles and Los Angeles County fire departments were sent to assist under a mutual aid request.
A public information line regarding the fire was established at 909-383-5688.