Compiled by Elise Gray
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
The Line Fire in Southern California has now spread over approximately 39,181 acres as of Sept. 18, has displaced thousands in San Bernardino County and placed more than 36,000 structures at risk.
On Sept. 7, the state of California requested a Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). FEMA approved the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Line Fire.
As wildfires are unpredictable and can quickly change direction, especially with the Santa Ana winds expected to impact the Running Springs area, FEMA advises residents to stay vigilant and remain informed about current conditions. The evacuation order having been downgraded to an evacuation warning on Sep.15 has caused an immediate need as mountain residents returned to their homes. Various resources are now available for the Running Springs and Green Valley Lake community members. Below is a list of some of those resources and what they offer.
AirNow (Fire and Smoke Map): Monitors air quality and provides updates on smoke levels in affected areas, helping residents understand the health risks associated with poor air quality. Visit fire.airnow.gov for real-time smoke and air quality updates.
American Red Cross: Provides temporary shelter, food and basic necessities for evacuees, along with mental health support for those affected by the fire. If you have been impacted by the Line Fire and need Red Cross assistance, contact redcross.org or call (800) 733-2767.
Potential Community Garden: Would provide free food to the community of Running Springs. A few local residents will be reaching out to the UCCE Master Gardeners of San Bernardino County to get tips on how to get started.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans): Updates residents on road closures, detours and highway repair efforts related to the fire. Provides information on when it is safe to travel in affected areas. Visit caltrans.ca.gov or call (800) 427-7623.
California Highway Patrol (CHP): Offers information on traffic control, road closures and safety in areas affected by the Line Fire. They work to ensure safe travel and prevent unauthorized access to evacuation zones. Call the local CHP office at (909) 383-4247 for updates.
Community Points of Distribution (CPODs): Provides food, water, N95 masks, gloves and public health advice to residents affected by the fire. Resources are distributed at designated CPOD locations. They are in the process of setting up a resource hub where affected residents can access services like replacing lost IDs, applying for disaster assistance and obtaining support from local agencies. Visit sbcounty.gov for details on the next event.
Native Roots, Plants and Trees: Native Roots is launching a community seed bank to support a reforestation project in response to the devastation caused by the Line Fire. Organizers are seeking donations of native plant seeds, including pine, oak, elderberry, thimbleberry and raspberry. The effort aims to help restore local ecosystems affected by the fire. Representatives will be collecting seeds at the Crestline Farmers Market on Friday and Running Springs on Saturday. Local pine trees have begun to release their seeds, which will continue to drop over the next few weeks. Residents are encouraged to gather seeds from native pine trees around their homes or parking lots. For oak tree seeds, acorns should be intact, with no insect damage or holes. Participants are asked to take a photo of the plant when collecting seeds to verify that it is a true native species. In addition, the project is seeking community participation for this large-scale reforestation effort. Anyone with one- to two-year-old pine or oak trees is encouraged to donate them. Volunteers can assist with digging up and replanting these trees in the forest. The project is also partnering with local nonprofits and community groups to maximize its impact. Those interested in contributing to the reforestation effort are urged to get involved by contacting Native Roots, Plants and Trees at cancholamc78@gmail.com or (909) 515-0987.
San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services (OES): The County of San Bernardino will activate CPODs at the Robert Hootman Community Center with food and water. The EOS will also have available N95 masks, gloves and buckets for property clean up. There will also be local public health specialists available to advise on proper clean-up methods. For updates on assistance in your area, sign up for the alerts at prepare.sbcounty.gov or call (909) 356-3998.
San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control: Provides emergency shelter for pets and livestock displaced by the fire, including food, medical care and temporary housing arrangements. Visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov or call (909) 384-1304.
Many organizations are actively supporting evacuees and residents, providing essential services, safety and recovery support for anyone impacted by the Line Fire in California. For additional information regarding wildfire preparedness, visit ready.gov/wildfires or download the Watch Duty app for updates on current fires in your area.
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