Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Apple Fire Burns More Than 26K Acres, Containment At 5%

Officials say the Apple Fire has now scorched an estimated 26,450 acres in Riverside County and remains at 5% containment.
It broke out Friday in the Cherry Valley area, burning into the San Bernardino National Forest.
Lisa Cox, the forest's fire information officer, said she saw the pyrocumulus clouds over the weekend and knew it was bad. "My stomach just dropped."
Cal Fire Captain Chris Bruno says the fire had a lot of potential to grow. Hot temperatures, low humidity and dry vegetation mean the area is "primed for the wildland fires."
"When a wildland fire is burning in a certain area, it'll preheat that area that it's about ready to consume, and then that increases the rate of spread on the incident," he said.
The blaze is now one of the largest so far this year for Southern California, according to Bruno.
Here's Kate Kramer, public information officer with the U.S. Forest Service:
“Because of where it’s burning and the kind of terrain it’s burning in — very steep slopes that are pretty difficult to get to — that’s what makes this fire kind of special and ... pretty dangerous."
Thousands of residents have been asked to evacuate their homes in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
So far, one home and two outbuildings have been confirmed destroyed.
THE BASICS
- Acreage: 26,450
- Containment: 5%
- Damage: Assessment teams are being deployed
- Resources deployed:
- Hand Crews: 29
- Engines: 275
- Dozers: 24
- Helicopters: 9
- Fixed wing: 2
- Water Tenders: 48
- Total Personnel: 2,296
EVACUATIONS
- San Bernardino County:
- Orders: Oak Glen
- Warnings: Forest Falls, Pioneertown, Rim Rock
- Riverside County: Enter your address in this interactive map to see if you're in an evacuation area.
ROAD CLOSURES
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
OTHER CLOSURES
- San Gorgonio Wilderness, including Pacific Crest Hiking Trail between the forest boundary and Forest Road 1N01
- All USFS recreation areas in Forest Fall
READ MORE ABOUT THE FIRE
- The Apple Fire — And Coronavirus — Leaves Some Evacuees Scrambling For Shelter
- Get updates on the Apple fire incident information fact sheet
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.