The beginning of the Cranston Fire. Photo by Pat Boss
The Cranston Fire was reported about 1 p.m. It has burned about 20 acres near the Forest Service’s Cranston Station and is about 50 percent contained, according to Carol Underhill, the Forest Service information officer. The cause is under investigation
Highway 74 is closed to all traffic from Marshall on the west to Highway 243 on the east in Mountain Center. The highway is expected to be closed until approximately 7:00 pm according to Cal Trans. Motorists can call 1-800-427-ROAD (7623)
Helicopters battled the Cranston Fire on Highway 74 allegedly started by arson. The highway was closed from Mountain Center to Valle Vista for most of the afternoon on Sunday while fire personnel worked to get the fire under control. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
to get updated road conditions.
More photos (all by Jenny Kirchner) of the firefighters combating the blaze.
Helicopter dropping water on the Cranston Fire. Photo by Jenny KrichnerHelicopters drew water every few minutes as the relentlessly battle the Cranston Fire on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Jenny KirchnerThrough the thick smoke, ground crews and helicopters contain the Cranston Fire. Photo by Jenny KirchnerOne member of the ground crew uses a fire hose to douse areas of the charred hillside. Photo by Jenny KirchnerHigh up a hill off Highway 74, ground crews work at clearing fuels while helicopters put out fires and hot spots. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
A small fire ignited about noon Saturday, Oct. 14, when a vehicle and trailer caught on fire just west of Mountain Center on Highway 74. The Mount Fire, on both sides of the highway, reached three acres before containment, according to Incident Commander Chris Fogle, battalion chief on the San Jacinto Ranger District. Firefighters from…
Grand Idyllwild Lodge sells, Rustic Theatre changes hands, new restaurant in the Fort Major changes are happening in Idyllwild’s commercial business profile. The Grand Idyllwild Lodge has sold, the Rustic Theatre is changing hands, the Solis brothers are opening their fourth eatery, this one in the Fort, and a teahouse with international flavor and choices…
During a recent Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council inspection, Eliott Taylor closely examines a tree trunk for signs of the Goldenspotted Oak Borer.
There were two crashes on Hill roads over the last week, both with minor injuries. At 6:55 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, Miren Pino, 16, of Idyllwild, was driving a white 2017 Jeep Renegade southbound on Highway 243, three-tenths of a mile north of the intersection with South Circle Drive when, according to the California Highway…
On Tuesday, Oct. 30, Idyllwild Rotarians (from left) Charlie Wix, Scott Fisher and Bob Parrish distribute dictionaries to the third graders at Idyllwild School. The dictionary hand-out is an annual Rotary Club event.
Doug Lehar, father of deceased Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hiker Trevor Laher, has teamed up with two local businesses, a manufacturer of outdoor gear, and non-profit foundation to make it easier for PCT through-hikers approaching Idyllwild to make the trip safely. The local partners are Nomad Ventures, (the small chain of three Southern California retailers…