Authorities warn of Blue Cut Fire donation scam

Authorities are warning Southern Californians about a fraudulent pitch for donations to help victims of the Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County.

The county sheriff's department said it has received reports of a man calling residents claiming to represent CAL FIRE and asking for donations to help people displaced by the blaze.

CAL FIRE is not soliciting for donations, the sheriff's department said, and people are advised not to give out banking or other personal information over the phone for donations.

Anyone who has been contacted by someone seeking donations for CAL FIRE or anyone who has made such a donation is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Anyone with information about this fraudulent solicitation is asked to call sheriff's Deputy H. Hubbard at the Phelan Sheriff's Station at (760) 868-1006 between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Anonymous tips can be provided at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or at www.wetip.com.

The Blue Cut Fire, which started Aug. 16 in the Cajon Pass, burned through 36,274 acres and destroyed 105 homes and 216 outbuildings before it was fully contained a week later. At its peak, 2,684 firefighting personnel were involved in battling the blaze.

Among legitimate organizations accepting donations to help victims of the Blue Cut Fire are the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

RELATED: How to donate to relief efforts for the Blue Cut Fire and flooding in Louisiana.