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
The Ernie Maxwell Community Spirit Award committee at the Town Crier has decided on three top candidates for the community to choose among. The honor is given to an individual or group who represents EMax’s spirit of community and volunteerism. Prior awardees took actions that created a spark sufficient to bring others into the fray…
Sheriff’s log The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls Sunday to Saturday, Oct. 6 to Oct. 12. Idyllwild • Oct. 6 — Unknown trouble, 5:17 a.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy. • Oct. 6 — Public disturbance, 6:34 a.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy. • Oct. 7 — Trespassing, 10:18…
The Crier caught up with Idyllwild’s new postmaster this week. Mark A. Pererra displays a balance of cordiality, humility and military precision. He mentioned his Creole roots and two tours of duty with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq. In response to a request for a biographical sketch, he submitted this brief note: “Yes, this…
After four years, Riverside County is proposing to raise the fees for the residential collection centers in Idyllwild, Anza and Pinyon. At its June 17 meeting, the Board of Supervisors was to set a public hearing on these increases for later this summer. The new fee, $122.74 annually, is a $5.85 increase from the fee…
The U.S. Forest Service has announced a draft decision for its May Valley non-motorized trails project. A draft environmental assessment was released for comment and review in June. San Jacinto District Ranger Arturo Delgado decided to implement Alternative 2, with modifications, from the “May Valley Non-motorized Trails Environmental Assessment.” In choosing Alternative 2, Delgado made…
The Idyllwild Water District (IWD) Board of Directors February meeting was the district’s second attempt to hold its meeting via Zoom. The district, after a failed first attempt in January, was able to successfully hold a February meeting via Zoom. All five directors were present. Public hearing set for May The board voted to “set…
