By J.P. Crumrine
News Editor
Cal Fire has released the results of its investigation of the Aug. 5 Strong Fire to the Idyllwild Fire Protection District. Once secured, IFPD handed the investigation to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire Battlion Chief Julie Hutchison stressed that the agency was not able to determine the actual cause nor rule out some possibilities.
“Undetermined. Could not rule out arson or [playing with fire]. Definitely human-caused and intentional. No suspects or witnesses,” was the statement to IFPD.
The Strong Fire was quickly contained and controlled. The fire was reported shortly after noon that Monday and by 1 p.m. it had burned about 2 acres, according to Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz.
Firefighters from Idyllwild Fire Department, Cal Fire, and the Forest Service immediately surrounded the blaze, which produced several clouds of smoke that were visible throughout town. Air resources were also dispatched to the fire, but were not needed and released.
J.P. Crumrine can be reached at jp@towncrier.com.
