Morongo Valley Residents on Alert as Wildfire Moves Closer

Residents of tiny Morongo Valley were put on evacuation alert Monday as a runaway wildfire, whipped by sporadic summer winds, loomed closer to the San Bernardino County desert community, the state Department of Forestry said.

About 2,000 firefighters were battling the blaze, started Friday by an overheated electrical cord being used to charge a tractor battery in Riverside County near Cabazon. Throughout the weekend, the fire burned mostly rugged terrain in sparsely inhabited areas, destroying a trailer, two small buildings and several vehicles.

By Monday the blaze--which officials estimated was only 50% contained--had scorched 23,300 acres in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and had moved about three miles northwest of the unincorporated community of Morongo Valley, about 20 miles northwest of Palm Springs.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies went door to door Sunday night and Monday, warning most of the community’s 2,500 residents to gather important papers and belongings and be ready to evacuate, authorities said.

“Whether the residents will be moved out depends on the weather and wind change,” said state Department of Forestry spokeswoman Becky Luther.

A post office worker said the town was tense Monday as people watched and waited, their senses keen to the shifting summer winds.

“Yes, they’re real concerned with the wind,” the worker said. “It’s a helpless feeling, knowing your life and property depends on whichever way the wind blows. Most people have been told to pack a bag and be ready. And that’s what they’re doing.”

Fire officials said the blaze had also burned into the San Gorgonio wilderness area, a mountainous region that is home to bighorn sheep and a variety of spotted owl.

But William L. Ruckeyser, a spokesman for the California Biodiversity Alliance, said the owls were California spotted owls, a non-endangered species that is different from the endangered northern spotted owl.

Thirty-seven firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the blaze, which was being fought with 100 fire engines, 10 helicopters and eight air tankers.