Tribal Firefighters Side by Side With County and CDF in Esperanza Blaze; Morongo Tribe Assisting Local Fire Victims With Food/Shelter; Red Cross Says Tribal Response Instantaneous

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION — The first call to Morongo for firefighters came in at 1:30 a.m. Thursday morning and the first engine left the reservation at 1:35 a.m. According to Morongo Band of Mission Indians’ fire captain Tim Beadle, “it’s been 24/7 support ever since.”

“Our second engine was called into service yesterday afternoon and Morongo firefighters then went to work alongside the Esperanza fire strike teams,” said Beadle.

Yesterday, as evacuations of families began, the tribe began working with the Riverside Chapter of the American Red Cross to serve lunch and dinner meals to the displaced Cabazon residents. Red Cross CEO Pam Anderson said the “response was instantaneous.” Hundreds of meals will be served today from the temporary Red Cross shelter in Cabazon.

Two fire victims, Charles and Victor Miner, who lost their home and suffered second degree burns were housed at the tribe’s casino last night. According to Morongo hotel director Tom Mueller, they are coordinating with Banning city officials to provide lodging and meals for evacuees from the Cabazon area.

“We extend our deep condolences to the families of the firefighters lost yesterday,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “In a tragedy like this, we have to pull together and help each other.”

For information and to receive updates, contact Alison Stauffer at 916-225-6317 or Waltona Manion at 800-933-7376.

Source: Morongo Band of Mission Indians

CONTACT: Alison Stauffer, +1-916-225-6317, or Waltona Manion,

+1-800-933-7376, both for Morongo Band of Mission Indians