Southern California tribes have donated thousands of dollars to the victims of the deadly Esperanza Fire and to a reward fund.

The Soboba Band of Luise�o Indians donated $100,000 and the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians donated $50,000 to the families of four firefighters who were killed during the blaze. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association donated $10,000 and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians also contributed.

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians donated $100,000 to a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the fire. The total fund is now up to $550,000. Police have questioned two people of interest to the investigation.

The Esperanza Fire destroyed about 1,200 acres of the Morongo Reservation. "Lives have been lost, homes destroyed and thousands of acres lie blackened in this tragedy," said Chairman Robert Martin.

Southern California tribes went through their own tragedy in October 2003, when fires struck more than a dozen reservations, destroying homes and property.

Get the Story:
Esperanza Fire Fully Corralled, Investigators Question 'Persons of Interest' (AP 10/31)
Fire deaths prompt billionaire's pledge (The Los Angeles Times 10/31)
pwday

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