The 'Apple Fire,' a wildfire northwest of Palm Springs flared up Saturday, prompting thousands to evacuate. The fire started small in Cherry Valley at Riverside County, California, last Friday.

According to the Associated Press, the Apple Fire grew twice in size overnight and is putting 18 square miles of land area ablaze.

There were 12,000 acres of Cherry Valley burned down because of the wildfire. No injuries have been reported, CNN said.

Cherry Valley is an area that is not governed by a local municipal corporation with about 2,600 houses. The Apple Fire destroyed three structures and forced thousands of people to leave the field, reported USA Today.

The buildings were two outbuildings and a family home.

Authorities said there are over 7,000 people who needed to leave their homes as of Saturday afternoon. There were 375 firefighters, five air tankers, four helicopters, and three bulldozers who fought the fire.

Start of the Blaze

The Apple Fire began a little before 5 in the afternoon Friday, said Cal Fire. There were supposed to be "at least" two fires that burned near each other in the block.

The fires met, and, from there, the fire pretty much progressed at an unchecked rate.

By Saturday afternoon, Cal Fire Capt. Fernando Herrera said that even though they are gaining ground, the firefighters are still not able to contain the blaze.

Temperatures in Cherry Valley hit three digits, and humidity in the area was also low. There were a slight breeze and thick vegetation that fed the flames. The National Weather Service (NWS) said people might expect the higher potential for plume due to these changes in the environment.

There were also little fire breaks in the area, with only roads and natural barriers to stop the fire's spread.

As of Saturday night, the fire shows no signs of being contained. What caused the blaze remains under investigation.

NWS issued an excessive heat warning as Southern California found itself in the middle of a heatwave. On Saturday afternoon, Palm Springs was experiencing 105 degrees (41 Celsius).

The weather service said high pressure over the region could cause "dangerously hot conditions" to go into the evening.

Evacuation Centers were Set Up

Cal Fire spokesperson Rob Roseen told CNN that evacuation centers had been set up for those affected at local hotels and the Beaumont High School.

He said that the centers would meet COVID-19 protocols. There will be temperature screenings when people enter, masks have to be worn in the area, and people have to practice social distancing.

On top of the blaze, officials are also keeping in mind that evacuees have to be safe from the coronavirus pandemic. So the evacuation centers are being used as a check-in point than an actual shelter.

John Medina, the shelter supervisor with the American Red Cross, said Friday that shelters were kept outdoors to avoid the spread of the virus.

Evacuees were asked to stay in their own cars as volunteers checked them in and gave them the food and water that they need. After this, they will be sent to a hotel room.

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