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 self-representing Mountain Fire victim unraveled the $30-million federal case and put the state’s $5-million findings into question. Lawrence Goda, a homeowner-plaintiff in the state-court action that settled last year for nearly $5 million to Cal Fire, and other plaintiffs, confirmed James Nowlin’s information reported in the Town Crier’s Aug. 1 issue regarding the two…
The U.S. Forest Service will be working at Humber Park in January. No specific date has been set, according to Public Affairs Specialist Gustavo “Gus” Bahena, “but we will have contractors falling, debarking, and moving several hazard trees there. The reasons are for public safety and to mitigate the spread of the Goldspotted Oak Borer…
The Town Crier invites all businesses, organizations and individuals (musicians, artists, etc.) to submit event listings for the winter/spring Idyllwild Guide that will be published in October. Submit listings for events that will occur from October through May 2012. Please include date, time and location of event. In addition to being seen in the Idyllwild…
The Sheriff’s Department is still investigating the death of an unknown female. The body, which was badly decomposed, was found Sunday, April 10. Today, April 18, Lt. Dan Florez, of the Sheriff’s Hemet Station, said, “Investigations is conducting a broader search of the crime scene area for any other evidence related to the body located…
Gerry High paints a nature scene on the floor inside the Idyllwild Nature Center where he is in the beginning stages of creating an educational exhibit featuring photographic depictions of the ecological and social history of our mountains. High hopes to have the exhibit complete by Memorial Day weekend to unveil during the annual Wildflower Festival.
The San Jacinto City Council approved the draft Joint Powers Agreement with the Idyllwild Fire Protection District at its June 7 meeting. The council also directed its staff to continue to negotiate an extension of its contract with the Riverside County Fire Department. The council wants to see if the county will lower its cost…
