By Beau Yarbrough

The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

HESPERIA, Calif. — Police and firefighters have plenty to worry about battling the 7,500-acre Pilot fire. But at least one High Desert restaurant doesn’t want them to do it on an empty stomach.

“We started yesterday afternoon, basically just opening up to firefighters, police personnel working the fire,” said Kaitlyn Cole, manager of the Chipotle restaurant on Mariposa Road in Hesperia, just off the 15 Freeway.

Knowing which first responders are battling the Pilot fire right now is easy, she said: “Basically, anyone with a uniform is fighting it.”

So far, about 50 firefighters and police officers have stopped by for a free meal, but on Monday, the store also sent 300 burritos straight to the frontlines.

Chipotle Restaurant Donates Food to Pilot Fire Personnel https://t.co/EP9TGirXbF pic.twitter.com/dl7PheGy4Q — Gary Martin (@gmanview) August 9, 2016

Helping keep those battling the fire fed didn’t require them getting the go-ahead from the corporate office.

“They give us free rein to do these kinds of promotions by ourselves,” Cole said.

As of Tuesday morning, the Pilot fire has consumed 7,522 acres in the San Bernardino Mountains, and it is only 6 percent contained, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Cole said the Hesperia Chipotle will keep the lights on.

“As long as they come in, the food will definitely be on us.”

Copyright 2016 the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin