'Facing A Nightmare:' IE Apartments Leveled In Four-Alarm Blaze, How To Help Residents Who Lost Everything

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Firefighters raced to a 16-unit Rialto apartment building over the weekend to battle a four-alarm fire on the 1000 block of Cactus Avenue.

The building was a total loss, according to reports, displacing families in all 16 units.

San Bernardino County Fire, along with units from the City of Colton Fire, Rancho Cucamonga Fire District, and Yuhaaviatam, assisted Rialto Fire with the blaze at a 16-unit apartment building, which became heavily involved after a north wind rapidly pushed the fire through the structure.

"Firefighters launched an aggressive coordinated attack, working through challenging conditions to contain the blaze to the building of origin," a spokesperson for Rialto Fire said. "Thanks to the teamwork and management of the incident, there no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

"San Bernardino County Fire commends the dedication of all partner agencies whose efforts were needed to control the blaze," they said.

Red Cross is assisting, though fundraisers are also being launched for those in need.

"My sister’s family (left) with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The shock and heartbreak of losing everything they worked so hard for has been overwhelming, but I know how strong and resilient they are," Patricia Sid wrote on a GoFundMe launched after the blaze. "They urgently need temporary housing, essentials, and support to help them rebuild their lives. Every donation will go directly toward helping them find a safe place to stay, replace necessities, and begin the long process of recovery. Your kindness will make a real difference in their journey back to stability and hope."

Another family in need reported:

"On a day that started like any other, my parents and brothers found themselves facing a nightmare. A fire broke out in the apartment right above theirs, and because of the strong winds, the flames spread with terrifying speed. The fire department arrived quickly and did everything they could, but the damage was overwhelming. My parents' apartment was completely flooded and destroyed in the process. My family, along with 15 other families, stood outside in shock, watching as their homes and memories were consumed by the fire."

Still more described the events that led to the fateful night.

"My family and I have lived in our apartment for 7 years. It was home to my mom (61), my sister Michelle (31), my niece Maya (11), Emily (7), and Alaina (who had just turned 5 the day before the fire), and our dog Luna," Jasmine Razo wrote on her GoFundMe. "On what started as a normal Friday, everything changed in an instant.I was in the room with my girls, and my mom was in the living room watching TV. Suddenly, there was a loud knock and someone yelling 'fire.' Thick smoke filled the air. I grabbed my daughters and rushed out, not even stopping for shoes. In the chaos, I lost sight of my mom, and for an hour we were separated, terrified. Thankfully, we found each other again. My sister rushed home, unable to believe what was happening. The fire grew quickly, and there was nothing we could do but watch as our home—the place where my daughters took their first steps and where we celebrated so many milestones—was destroyed. Now, the building is boarded up, and we have nothing left. We are heartbroken and overwhelmed."

One displaced family was at the hospital with their newborn and three other children, according to Summer Hidalgo.

"They were in the hospital, bonding with their new baby, when they got the news that the apartment had caught fire, and everything was lost. They walked out of the hospital with no home, no clothes, no baby items, no essentials. With so much already happening, this is a burden they should NOT have to carry. I’m creating this GoFundMe to help them get back on their feet and make sure the kids have what they need right now."

Toni Sedillo launched a fundraiser for her sister and brother-in-law.

"They lost everything in a matter of minutes, everything they worked so hard for. Years of memories gone.While we are happy to know they are safe, the focus on rebuilding starts today! They have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Anything will be appreciated at this time."

Still more GoFundMe fundraisers are being launched daily.

Please contact the Rialto Fire Department for any further information