Blue Cut Fire Brought Out the Best in Local Residents

VICTORVILLE – Local businesses, churches, organizations and even regular citizens have stepped in to help provide assistance where needed to those affected by the Blue Cut fire. Prior to the 15 freeway being reopened, northbound Wednesday night and southbound Thursday morning numerous commuters were forced to take alternative routes. The routes, all long were also crowded with commuter traffic, which caused additional delays.

Members from the Lucerne Valley Community Church,  Crossroad Chapel in Lucerne Valley, as well as others from the community, waited at the end of those routes to provide granola bars and water to motorists returning home from the long journey home. These people selflessly stood out in the heat near a Lucerne Valley stop sign that left commuters stuck behind hundreds of vehicles. Exhausted from not only long work hours, but the extended travel time, a Victorville man made it to the final stretch on his journey home from his job in the City of Highland.

“A girl came running up to the car with some water, I asked her “how much?”  She said no its free and gave me a water and a granola bar,” said Tom McDermott.  “Boy, that night was miserable, but that was really awesome and was such a lifesaver as I was dying of thirst and I had nothing.”

Donations of food, bottled water, clothing, diapers and more have poured into the collection centers. The High Desert Church had days where they opened their doors to provide to those in need of any of the donated items. They had some of everything from clothing and shoes to food and baby items for not only those affected by the fire but anyone in need. The Victor Valley Rescue Mission provided hot meals, emergency food, hygiene and clothing for those affected by the fire during two events.

People have provided on-call support to rescue animals in need, transporting them to evacuation centers. Many, including Annie Lancaster, the Founder/Director of Mojave Desert Animal Rescue, have volunteered at the Apple Valley Animal Shelter and San Bernardino County Fairgrounds to help feed, water, walk and otherwise comfort frightened animals brought in as a result of evacuations.

Feed Stores, including Cactus Feed and Supply, have provided assistance including emergency shelter for large animals, feed, and other necessary supplies. Home Depot, Amazon, and other large corporations stepped in to supply for the needs of the evacuation centers. The Girl Scouts from Barstow also made a large donation of pet food and supplies at the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.

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